The FAQs below provide additional information about MentorConnect. Please contact the WBG Mentoring team if you have additional questions that are not covered here.
Who is eligible to participate?
All open/term staff at all levels are eligible to participate in MentorConnect, either as mentees or mentors. For staff wishing to participate as a mentee, preference will be given to staff not already covered by an existing program. For mentors, we require a minimum of three years tenure at the WBG and a record of sustained good performance. STT and STCs are not eligible to participate in the program at this time.
How do I sign up to participate
Click "Apply to Join" and select the appropriate role (mentor or mentee). Then follow the prompts and provide the requested information in the application form. Submitted applications will be reviewed/validated by the WBG Mentoring Team. Once your application has been reviewed/validated, you will receive an invitation to complete your mentoring profile and join MentorConnect.
Is there any required training or other mentoring learning available ?
Yes. All participants are asked to complete the WBG Mentoring Orientation e-learning prior to starting a mentoring relationship. This 45 minute module provides an overview of the WBG Mentoring Framework, the life-cycle, and review of support resources. If you have already done this, great! Just mark it off as completed in your connection plan. New mentors and those wanting a refresher should also complete the WBG Mentor Essentials e-learning which provides a more in depth look at the skills and behaviors needed to be an effective mentor. WBG Mentoring Programs also sponsors the Mentoring Learning Series which features quarterly sessions for both mentors and mentees.
How does MentorConnect work
MentorConnect is an online system that uses a profile approach to help mentees find potential mentors who have skills, knowledge or experience in specific areas where mentees are looking to develop. With the addition of a new Diversity & Inclusion section in the profile, mentees can now include various dimensions of diversity in their mentor search should they so wish.
How will mentors and mentees be matched
The mentoring profile captures information about you, your professional experience and mentoring relationship preferences. If you are applying as a mentor you will also be asked to list the areas in which you could mentor others, and if a mentee, the areas in which you want to develop. The information provided in the profile will help the system make match recommendations to the mentee, so it is critical to complete the entire profile. Ultimately, mentoring relationships are initiated by the mentee and agreed to by the mentor. The mentee can choose from the recommended mentors or any other available mentor in the pool.
How much time am I expected to commit to the program
The duration of a mentoring relationship is based on the goal (s) of the mentee, so no two will be exactly alike. You should plan to devote a few hours per month to the mentoring relationship with meeting frequency and length determined collectively by the mentor and the mentee. Partnerships in the MentorConnect program can last up to 6 months depending on the mentoring need. It is up to the mentee and mentor to determine what duration is appropriate.
Can I participate in the program as both a mentor and a mentee
Yes, you can participate as both a mentor and a mentee as long as your work program allows you to make the time commitment to mentoring.
Do I need to have approval from my Manager to participate
No. Managerial approval is not a requirement for participation. That being said, you should consult with your Manager before applying 1.) to ensure there are no conflicts with your work program and 2.) to ensure your mentoring experience is aligned with either your business or development objectives, or both.
What if I dont find a mentor that suits my needs?
We recognize that not everyone will be able to find what they are looking for via MentorConnect. That being said, you may be able to find a mentor who can refer you to what you need or help you develop your network. If you really don't find anyone you think will work, please contact the admin and let us know. We may be able to help you refine your search or provide other guidance.
What if I already have a mentor? Can I still use MentorConnect\?
Yes. One of the ways you can use MentorConnect is to "formalize" an existing relationship. Mentees can invite their mentor to the platform, and then once registered, the mentee can connect with him/her. While some of the materials may not be relevant to a pair that knows each other, the structure provided can help pairs focus on and achieve mentoring goals.
updated: 17 May 2019
Who is eligible to participate?
All open/term staff at all levels are eligible to participate in MentorConnect, either as mentees or mentors. For staff wishing to participate as a mentee, preference will be given to staff not already covered by an existing program. For mentors, we require a minimum of three years tenure at the WBG and a record of sustained good performance. STT and STCs are not eligible to participate in the program at this time.
How do I sign up to participate
Click "Apply to Join" and select the appropriate role (mentor or mentee). Then follow the prompts and provide the requested information in the application form. Submitted applications will be reviewed/validated by the WBG Mentoring Team. Once your application has been reviewed/validated, you will receive an invitation to complete your mentoring profile and join MentorConnect.
Is there any required training or other mentoring learning available ?
Yes. All participants are asked to complete the WBG Mentoring Orientation e-learning prior to starting a mentoring relationship. This 45 minute module provides an overview of the WBG Mentoring Framework, the life-cycle, and review of support resources. If you have already done this, great! Just mark it off as completed in your connection plan. New mentors and those wanting a refresher should also complete the WBG Mentor Essentials e-learning which provides a more in depth look at the skills and behaviors needed to be an effective mentor. WBG Mentoring Programs also sponsors the Mentoring Learning Series which features quarterly sessions for both mentors and mentees.
How does MentorConnect work
MentorConnect is an online system that uses a profile approach to help mentees find potential mentors who have skills, knowledge or experience in specific areas where mentees are looking to develop. With the addition of a new Diversity & Inclusion section in the profile, mentees can now include various dimensions of diversity in their mentor search should they so wish.
How will mentors and mentees be matched
The mentoring profile captures information about you, your professional experience and mentoring relationship preferences. If you are applying as a mentor you will also be asked to list the areas in which you could mentor others, and if a mentee, the areas in which you want to develop. The information provided in the profile will help the system make match recommendations to the mentee, so it is critical to complete the entire profile. Ultimately, mentoring relationships are initiated by the mentee and agreed to by the mentor. The mentee can choose from the recommended mentors or any other available mentor in the pool.
How much time am I expected to commit to the program
The duration of a mentoring relationship is based on the goal (s) of the mentee, so no two will be exactly alike. You should plan to devote a few hours per month to the mentoring relationship with meeting frequency and length determined collectively by the mentor and the mentee. Partnerships in the MentorConnect program can last up to 6 months depending on the mentoring need. It is up to the mentee and mentor to determine what duration is appropriate.
Can I participate in the program as both a mentor and a mentee
Yes, you can participate as both a mentor and a mentee as long as your work program allows you to make the time commitment to mentoring.
Do I need to have approval from my Manager to participate
No. Managerial approval is not a requirement for participation. That being said, you should consult with your Manager before applying 1.) to ensure there are no conflicts with your work program and 2.) to ensure your mentoring experience is aligned with either your business or development objectives, or both.
What if I dont find a mentor that suits my needs?
We recognize that not everyone will be able to find what they are looking for via MentorConnect. That being said, you may be able to find a mentor who can refer you to what you need or help you develop your network. If you really don't find anyone you think will work, please contact the admin and let us know. We may be able to help you refine your search or provide other guidance.
What if I already have a mentor? Can I still use MentorConnect\?
Yes. One of the ways you can use MentorConnect is to "formalize" an existing relationship. Mentees can invite their mentor to the platform, and then once registered, the mentee can connect with him/her. While some of the materials may not be relevant to a pair that knows each other, the structure provided can help pairs focus on and achieve mentoring goals.
updated: 17 May 2019