Speed Mentoring

Presented by Jennifer Kulbeck, MFA, Saint Mary’s College of California Reported by Katie Pedley, PhD, Educational Testing Service

Overview

Networking and meeting new colleagues are some of the most valuable parts of attending NAGAP’s GEM Summit. Having colleagues who can provide advice and support is invaluable. But where do you begin, especially if you’re new to attending GEM Summit, and maybe don’t know anyone yet? Facilitated by Jennifer Kulbeck of Saint Mary’s College of California, this Speed Mentoring session offered a great opportunity to meet and connect with other attendees. In addition, this session was an opportunity to repeatedly practice and refine the active listening skills of participants.

The Process

The session started with a short, self-reflective writing exercise, in which each participant considered the following questions and spent a little additional time identifying the priorities among their answers:

• Where am I at professionally currently?

• What are my professional goals?

• How would I like to grow as a professional?

Participants then moved onto the next phase of the session. Participants went through four rounds of “speed mentoring.” Similar in format to speed dating, participants were paired with another participant and went through a short mentoring exercise. After introducing themselves, participants took turns in two roles, switching roles midway through the round:

1. Role 1: Sharing their job in their organization and one professional goal.

2. Role 2: Actively listening, asking clarifying questions, and then providing reflections or ideas to their partner.

Each round ended with an opportunity to exchange contact information before they moved on to their next partner.

Key Takeaways

Each session participant left the room with:

• Four opportunities to practice and reflect on their active listening skills

• Advice, input, and ideas from four colleagues

• Four new potential network contacts and friends!

The session was full of animated conversation and friendly faces. If this session is offered again, it is highly recommended for those who are new to NAGAP or those hoping to expand their network. Bring your business cards/QR code! n