Let’s say you are a mass properties engineer faced with solving a problem you have not seen before. Chances are that this has been something that someone else has already seen. Wouldn’t it be splendid if you could consult with a person with experience, who could support you in finding a solution to your problem?
Or let’s turn this around. An engineer has a problem. You’ve seen and handled this problem in the past. You could help the other engineer – IF you were aware that they could use your help.
How do these two hypothetical engineers discover each other – the one with the problem and the one with solutions? It is highly unlikely that pure chance will put the two together. In fact, they might not know each other.
Enter The SAWE Mentoring Program. This program, currently under development, will act to engage Mentors (those with knowledge) with Mentees (those who desire to obtain knowledge). For this to work, the SAWE will be soliciting Mentors who are willing and able to aid in transferring knowledge to Mentees, via a Mentor/Mentee matching process that will bring those seeking solutions in contact with those who know solutions. We will open a portal for mentees to describe their problem and solicit help. The SAWE will then endeavor to match suitable Mentor/Mentee pairs.
The SAWE has set a goal of rolling the program out and be up and running by the opening of the Cocoa Beach Conference in May 2023.
More information will be forthcoming as the program development matures.
This is a wonderful new benefit. Mentees and Mentors can meet each other face to face at the conference in Cocoa Beach in May 2023. Help each other, Help each other, for the good of All. Build your business case for company support of your Cocoa Beach conference participation and sell it to your manager soon. Initiative is a plus to your manager. SAWE has tips for conference attendance. I learned “surprisingly” last year that if you ask, you have a much better chance than if you do not ask. I look forward to meeting Mentor(s) and Mentee(s).