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 A little while back, TMA introduced a Mentoring Programme using experienced professionals within the performing arts to support emerging talent. Whilst we know that informal mentoring happens in our industry and many people have benefited from working with a mentor, our Mentoring Programme will enable any TMA member to have access to a Mentor at no cost.
What is Mentoring?
In the mentoring relationship the mentor offers to share their time and expertise with the mentee. The person being mentored thus has access to someone with greater experience who may act as sounding board, source of information or who simply offers encouragement and support. Typically mentoring provides the opportunity to learn informally from another’s experience.
As the mentor is usually sourced from outside the mentee’s current workplace, the mentee should feel free to discuss issues that perhaps concern them in the workplace and explore ways of resolving them in a comparatively objective and informed relationship. The focus is essentially supportive.
Why become a mentor?
Mentoring is a rewarding way to offer your insight and experience to others within the performing arts. It is a great way of connecting with new ways of thinking or working and gives the satisfaction of helping someone else in their career. No previous mentoring experience is needed as we will offer a brief training session to all new mentors, paid by the TMA.
To be a mentor you should be personable, friendly, open-minded and a great listener. It goes without saying that confidentiality, discretion and trust is critical to the mentor / mentee relationship. The role of a mentor is not to tell the mentee what to do, rather to offer guidance and support as well as be a sounding board when needed. This could also include practical help such as providing networking opportunities or introductions.
Why register as a mentee?
You can have a mentor to deal with a specific issue that you wish to work through over a short period of time, or for a longer period if you feel you need ongoing support and guidance. Working with a mentor gives you allocated reflection and thinking space, as well as more general encouragement, guidance and support.
How to register as a mentor or mentee
If you wish to become a mentor or register as a mentee, please contact TMA to request an application form. As a potential mentor, you will need to detail your career history, explain why you would like to become a mentor and what you could offer a mentee. As a mentee, you will need to explain what you hope to gain from being mentored.
Gemma Nelson, Membership & Marketing Manager
gemman@solttma.co.uk
020 7557 6706
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