Forestry Australia will continue its mentoring program after an immensely successful first year, which saw 100% of mentees report that they were highly satisfied or satisfied with the program. Source: Timberbiz
The inaugural program connected experienced forestry professionals with those who were seeking to develop professionally, personally and evolve their career, with 54 participants enrolling in the nine-month program.
Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin said the program supported the development of the next generation of leaders within the forest sector and encouraged diversity of ideas, people and skills. The program also supports Forestry Australia’s commitment to meeting the needs of its increasingly diverse membership and reinforces its inclusive culture.
“A mentoring relationship is a powerful development experience that can deliver personal and professional benefits for both mentors and mentees,” Ms Martin said.
“We were delighted to receive such great feedback from participants in the program’s first year, and we are looking forward to enhancing this offering even further in 2023.”
2022 Mentee Emily Post said the program improved her professional confidence and introduced her to a valuable industry network.
“My mentor was brilliant, though the connection I have learnt how to become more specific with my goals, and what is required to reach them,” Ms Post said
“My mentor helped me to refine my resume and gave me a true confidence in my knowledge and how to effectively communicate it. The program has left me with a stronger network within the industry, a clearer sense of my goals, and a greater confidence in myself as a professional.”
2022 Mentor Kevin Harding said it was highly rewarding to assist in the personal and professional development of his assigned mentee.
“It has been excellent to engage with a mentee who I did not previously know and is now a valued friend,” he said.
“Our discussions changed focus as he focused in on a new career path that he wants to develop – the program helped him to realise where he wants to take his career.”
Ms Martin encouraged forestry professionals at any stage in their careers to consider signing up as a mentor or mentee in next year’s program.
“Forestry Australia promotes an any age, any stage approach to mentoring, as you are never too young or too old to benefit from receiving or giving mentorship,” she said.
“We encourage anyone who is interested in growing their own career or giving back to the profession to help foster the next generation to get in touch and find out how they can become involved.”
Forestry Australia’s Mentoring Program is developed around a framework and tool kit of resources which supports participants to ensure effective and sustainable knowledge transfer, skill acquisition and maintaining momentum.
Mentors and mentees dedicate at least one hour a month to meet, plus set additional time to prepare for meetings including goal setting, pre-reading, planning and reflection activities.
Applications to participate in Forestry Australia’s 2023 Mentoring Program opened on December 15.
For more information about becoming involved as either a mentor or a mentee, visit www.forestry.org.au/mentoring/
