Board member blog post: Be a mentor … or a mentee!
 By Liz Seegert, JAWS Board Member and Co-chair Mentoring Committee
One of the greatest benefits of being part of Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) is the tremendous opportunity to interact with other women journos at all stages of their careers. Many of us benefit from these relationships through informal mentoring — like quick advice on how to use a new iPhone app, or a quick review of a potential story proposal by someone who’s written for the same publication.
Mentoring goes both ways — for example, I’ve advised other JAWdesses about health reporting and health policy; others have helped me with tips on audio editing and staying sane while freelancing (hint: join and participate in JAWS). I love that I’m learning learn new things from women of all ages and phases of life.
JAWS also offers opportunities for more formal, structured mentoring. Mentor and mentee are paired according to skill sets, location, needs and expertise. It’s a unique opportunity to work one on one, sharing knowledge (because information flows both ways), solving problems and knowing someone’s got your back.
We just launched new, more streamlined versions of our Mentor availability and Request for Mentor forms that can be accessed at the members-only site. We hope to start matching those needing help — whether one time, for a few months or all year, with those who can volunteer their time and experience — in about a month.
Read more here.
|
By 
