IT Mentoring
News
Applications for Cohort 6 are now open, and the deadline to apply is April 5. See below for details!
Objectives of the program
- Provide coaching and tools for organizational guidance
- Promote networking through the Harvard IT community
- Engage and empower employees
- Develop leadership skills for high-potential staff
Structure
- Mentoring circles: 4 mentees and 2 mentors
- 6 months: May - November
- Circles meet monthly for 1.5 hours
- Participants attend cohort events throughout (in person and virtual options)
Who is the IT Mentoring Program for?
The IT Mentoring program is for all Harvard IT staff, both technical and non-technical, or anyone who supports technology efforts in their role (e.g., IT project managers, business analysts, research computing).
Potential mentees:
- Are ready to take an active role in their career journey. You get out of the program what you put into it!
- Have a clear career/work related goal or challenge where they are seeking guidance and perspective outside their current working relationships
- Are looking to expand their Harvard network and learning more about other areas of Harvard IT
- Are able to commit the time to meet with their mentoring circle once a month for 1.5 hours per month, in addition to 3 program events over the course of 6 months for a total of 14 hours meeting time
- Are willing to dedicate additional time and effort in between meetings/events to work on their professional growth
- Have the support of their manager to fully engage in this program
What to expect
The IT Mentoring Program is a circle mentoring program. If accepted, you will be put in a circle with 4 peer mentees from various areas of Harvard who have similar career goals/challenges and 2 mentors selected from a pool of senior Harvard IT leaders who have completed extensive leadership and coaching programs.
Circles meet together once a month for 1.5 hours (circles will decide whether/when to meet virtually vs. in person).
During these meetings you are expected to:
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Come prepared for discussion, suggested topics include:
- Leadership skills
- Navigating your career at Harvard
- Networking and relationship building
- Presentation skills / public speaking
- Time management
- Participate fully (shut down distractions, listen actively to other circle members, engage in discussion)
- Be supportive and respectful to fellow circle members
Additional professional development tasks/homework may be suggested by your mentors. Remember, that you get out of this program what you put into it. You are expected to try out suggestions provided by your circle within your comfort level.
The IT Mentoring Program also offers cohort-wide events that require your participation:
- Program Kickoff: learn more about the program, expectations, and best practices, and meet your circle
- Professional development event at the midpoint
- Optional networking opportunities
- Closing event: reflect on program experience, discuss next steps for your professional development
How to apply
To find out if this is the right time for you to do the program, please take a minute to fill out the short questionnaire "Are You Ready For Mentoring?" The questionnaire will lead you to the application.
We also recommend you read the article "Are you Mentorable?" and watch the video at the end.
Applications, including a manager or colleague's recommendation, are due by April 5. Individuals will be notified of their acceptance in April.
Contact
Send questions to IT_Mentoring@harvard.edu.
Information sessions
- Tuesday, February 13, 10:30-11:00: view the recording
- Wednesday, March 13, 3:00-3:30
Testimonials and photos
Over 200 staff from across Harvard IT have participated in the program. Here is what some of them had to say:
Esther Brandon
"I would highly recommend others to join the program, especially if they are interested in expanding their Harvard networks, thinking critically about their career growth, and problem-solving with a group."
Muriel Vaughan Williams
" It’s a great platform to connect with peers and senior management, and it provides a space to address personal career development topics, and foster career aspirations."
Stephanie Burns
"I learned a lot from my mentors and fellow mentees, and it is great to know I am not alone in my professional journey."
Thomas Fleenor
"I credit the program with helping me to build self-confidence and providing me with a strengthened skillset to take advantage of the new opportunities that have since come my way."