By Bethany Aguad
Mentor a Student This Year
Are you a seasoned professional in the field of technical communication looking to give back and make a meaningful impact on the next generation of professionals? If so, we invite you to consider becoming a mentor in the STC Florida chapter’s 2023-2024 mentoring program with the University of Central Florida. Having been on both sides, I can attest that mentoring offers meaningful benefits to both the mentor and the mentee in terms of both professional growth and personal satisfaction.
To learn more about our student mentoring program, visit our mentoring page on the chapter website. While we encourage our STC Florida chapter members and other STC community members to serve, you do not have to be a member of STC to serve as a mentor.
If you would like to serve as a mentor this year, please submit the mentor application form by October 3. The application is straightforward and requires just a few minutes of your time.
Here are some key reasons you should consider becoming a mentor:
- Mentoring is a great way to give back to the technical communication community! By helping to develop the next generation of technical communicators, you are helping to ensure the future of our profession.
- Mentoring is a rewarding experience. It is gratifying to see your mentee grow and develop and to know that you have played a role in their success.
- Mentoring can help you to learn and grow as well. Your mentee will bring a fresh perspective to your work, and you may find yourself learning new things from them.
About the STC Florida Mentoring Program
Founded in 2003, our chapter’s highly successful mentoring program pairs STC Florida Chapter members and peers with UCF technical communication students or new grads with an interest in our profession. The pairing is based on the students’ goals and the professionals’ areas of expertise.
The STC Florida Mentoring Program has a proven track record of helping students succeed. Historically, our mentees have had outstanding results in job placement upon graduation. Many have remained active STC volunteers and have gone on to leadership positions.
Benefits
I have been blessed to mentor multiple talented students, and I have learned so much from them as well. Our profession is driven by cooperation and collaboration, and this program provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to foster those skills in a student. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to:
- Gain personal satisfaction from helping others discover their potential
- Enhance your coaching, feedback, and leadership skills
- Gain exposure to new perspectives from the mentee
- Expand your professional network
How to Get Involved
If you are ready to make a difference in the life of a student, I encourage you to sign up as a mentor today. Whether you’re located in Florida or beyond, and whether or not you’re currently an STC member, your willingness to share your knowledge and experience is what matters most. Simply complete the mentor application form online, which is quick and straightforward.
Your decision to become a mentor can become the catalyst for a student’s successful career in technical communication! The deadline to apply is October 3. If you have any questions, send us an email at mentorship@stcflorida.org.
Becoming a mentor is more than an opportunity to give back to the profession—it’s a chance to grow personally and professionally, connect with the community, and make a lasting impact on the future of technical communication. Join us in the STC Florida chapter’s mentoring program and help shape the next generation of professionals in our field. Your knowledge and guidance can make all the difference!