Mentorship and coaching program
The mentoring and coaching program is not just about professional growth, but also about personal development. By connecting with senior mentors, CGFOA members can receive advice and guidance for career advancement, leadership, and technical skills development. This program is designed to inspire and motivate you to reach your full potential.
How it Works
As a CGFOA member, you have the exclusive opportunity to participate in our mentorship and coaching program. This ongoing program requires a low monthly commitment of 1-2 hours. You'll engage in group meetings, one-on-one interactions via virtual platforms, and occasional in-person events on topics of common interest. This is a unique chance to connect with senior mentors and fellow members for your professional growth.
Mentors fill out an application on the CGOA website that identifies areas of expertise. Mentees do not need to apply – all CGFOA members can join anytime the monthly coffee chat sessions by registering in advance via Zoom for the sessions.
Sample support areas
• Career advice: What career paths are available? How to look for positions, time applications, resume building, interview preparation, and job search etiquette.
• Professional training advice: Which certifications, licensing, and training should be selected based on the desired career path?
• Leadership and personnel management: how to successfully recruit and build teams, maintain employees engaged and motivated, perform accountability, manage outcomes, train and grow team members.
• Best practices advice: best practices and resources for finding best practices in specific areas such as budgeting, accounting, treasury management, ERP selection and implementation, overall project management, etc.
Mentor and Mentee Expectations
Based on their expertise, mentors are expected to take the lead in a topic presentation at least once during the program. They are also encouraged to be available for mentees who seek advice and guidance. Mentors are expected to provide guidance/advice and professional support to mentees on various topics, such as career path options, job-seeking advice, recommended training, technical skills, work/life balance, and leadership skills development.
Mentors should initiate and provide reasonable opportunities for mentee communications, schedule meetings, respond timely to mentee communication requests, and maintain confidentiality of information. Mentors should not try to provide advice in areas outside their expertise, be unavailable when mentees reach them, or allow mentees to become dependent on them.
Mentees are expected to attend group topic meetings of interest and reach out to mentors in their area of need. They should proactively reach out to mentors to seek advice, utilize the mentor’s time efficiently by being specific in their assistance/input requests, and bring up concerns and feedback if they are not receiving the expected guidance or support.
