MENTEES

The Mentoring Program provides you with an opportunity to understand the public health profession, define your career goals, explore the challenges faced by public health professionals, learn how to prepare for a job interview, receive guidance from experienced public health professionals, and attend a wide variety of public health learning opportunities offered by the NHPHA.

This is a virtual commitment with the option of meeting your mentors in person. You will share your experiences, knowledge, and interests and watch your mentor navigate today's challenges.

Why Do It?

As a mentee, you have an opportunity to learn and develop your leadership skills. Joining the Mentoring Program is a rewarding experience you will ever have.

Program Activities

  • Meet your mentor and develop an action plan.
  • Attend four learning opportunities.
  • Become a member of NHPHA and access a variety of professional development opportunities.

Mentor Qualifications and Expectation

  • Five or more years of experience in the field of public health.
  • Educational degree in public health or related field.
  • Member of the New Hampshire Public Health Association before joining the mentoring program.
  • ​Ability to meet once per month with a mentee.
  • Ability to attend three events throughout the program, which may take place during a portion of the workday. 

Joining the Mentoring Program

Kindly submit the Mentor online application by visiting Mentee Application. Once we receive all applications by September 22, 2023, you will be matched with a mentee/graduate public health student. 

Resources & Tools

Starting the Conversation with Your Mentor

First, introduce yourself and your title, where you work, and what you do. Then start a conversation, and here are some open-ended questions. 
  • Did you have a mentor, and how did this affect your career?
  • What are some of the public health and related jobs at your workplace?
  • How did you decide what area to focus on within the public health field?
  • If applicable, would you recommend graduate school? What program?
  • How do you challenge yourself at your job? Do you take risks?
  • How do you know what kind of supervisor/leadership style works best for you?
  • What are some different types of workplace cultures? What are some of the pros and cons of each?
  • Were you a part of any academic extracurricular activities?  If so, what were they and were they beneficial for your career?
  • What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
  • What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
  • What motivated you to participate in this program?
  • How would you define success over the course of this program?

Additional Discussion/Conversation Topics

  • Explore professional associations and relevant organizations
  • Discuss professional standards and workplace etiquette
  • Discuss how to research companies and careers
  • Discuss how to prepare for a job fair or interview
  • Discuss professional communication, and how communication culture varies by industry or company
  • Discuss creating a one year and five year strategy to help identify and advance toward goals
  • If you would like more information on the mentor's company/organization, ask for literature or a possible tour, if comfortable with the contact
  • Ask for a referral to another contact person to continue networking
  • Ask for job search advice and tips that the mentor can provide
  • What is a typical day on the job like for you?
  • What is the title of the person that you report to?
  • Where are you located in a normal working day?
  • What are your likes and dislikes about the job?
  • What are the challenges in the profession or recurring problems within the occupation?
  • What are the rewards of the profession?
  • What technological advances have affected your job?
  • What types of problems are you likely to face in a day's time?
  • What are the most satisfying and the most frustrating parts of your work?
  • What are your major job responsibilities?
  • What aspects do you like best about the profession?
  • How did you learn about this career?
Source: University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Guide Website

Mentoring Program Materials

Mentoring Program Action Plan Template
File Size: 167 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Mentoring Program Guide
File Size: 1106 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Videos

Questions?

Don't hesitate to contact the NHPHA at info@nhpha.org. In the email subject, please type "Mentoring Program"