Guidelines for HRP Mentor Program

Mission and Goal of Mentor Program

Our mission is to work together to enhance the network of current and future HR professionals with the goal of bringing to students real-world application, resources, career development and the value of belonging to an organization such as HRP and/or SHRM.

Objectives of the Mentor Program

The mentor program is designed to coincide with a semester. Once you have elected to participate in the program and fulfilled the eligibility requirements, a student mentee will be matched with a mentor. The objectives of the program are:

  • Achieve the mutual goals of the mentor and mentee
  • HRP mentor establishes mentoring relationship with student (Mentee) to enhance personal growth and to provide guidance on the Mentee’s transition from classroom to entry into an HR career
  • HRP College Relations team will attempt to facilitate initial introductions for mentors/mentees, and also be available for support throughout the placement
  • Mentors are to familiarize the mentee with the HRP and/or SHRM organizations

During the semester, a mentee can participate in activities such as breakfast, lunch or dinner with his/her Mentor, attend the Mentor’s work site, attend an HRP meeting of HR professionals, observe an HR activity such as a training program, a wellness program, observe recruiting or other HR related activities, and much more! The experiences for each Mentor-Mentee relationship during the semester will vary depending on Mentee’s interests, schedule, and availability during the semester.

Eligibility of Mentee and Mentor

Mentee Eligibility:

  • Pursing or seriously considering a degree with HR Concentration, organizational development, training, or similar area.
  • Current part-time or full-time student in good standing
  • Complete Mentee Application Form
  • Encouraged to meet face-to-face with Mentor at least three times during the semester after initial assignment. Additional contact is encouraged via email, phone or other technology means at least once every 2-3 weeks through the end of the semester.

Mentor Eligibility

  • Active Member of HRP
  • Currently employed full-time in a HR Role, or retired
  • Attend mentor orientation/Review HRP Mentor Guidelines
  • Complete Mentor Enrollment Form
  • Willingness to commit time, energy, and resources to Mentee and to the program for a full semester.
  • Make initial contact with mentee within one week of assignment
  • NOTE: For mentoring relationships lasting longer, there is the potential to earn recertification credits toward HRCI and SHRM certifications.

Responsibilities of Mentee and Mentee

Mentee Responsibility

  • Sense of commitment.
  • Desire to know more about Human Resources occupations, jobs, company culture, career etc.
  • Demonstration of skill/maturity as expressed through enrollment process.
  • Willingness to be open to the ideas and direction of others.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and strategies.
  • Agreement to meet expectation’ guidelines and to maintain CONFIDENTIALITY.
  • Encouraged to meet face-to-face with Mentor at least three times during the semester after initial assignment.
  • Must complete at least 2 activities with mentor,
  • Additional contact is encouraged via email, phone or other technology every 2-3 weeks through the end of thesemester.

Mentor Responsibility

  • Drive ongoing development of mentee and ensure objectives are obtained throughout the semester
  • Provide HR support and guidance to the Mentee.
  • Lend an ear, coach, provide information, offer company tours and/or coach on networking skills.
  • Help Mentee network to discover the need for a support system.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and the desire to help others.
  • Introduce Mentee to business/professional contacts and/or invite to attend professional meetings including a HRP meeting.
  • Be professional but caring, a team player, and a good role model.
  • Share information and personal experiences when comfortable to do so, remembering CONFIDENTIALITY always.
  • Mentor to review HRP Mentor program requirements.
  • Mentor must make initial contact with mentee within one week of assignment.
  • Encouraged to meet face-to-face with Mentee at least three times during the semester after initial assignment.
  • Mentors must communicate with mentees at least once every 2-3 weeks.Mentors and mentees must complete at least two of the suggested activities, (See Suggested Activities list at the end of this document.)
  • Support at least one student chapter event, if applicable to school.

Suggested (Minimum) Guidelines for Mentor/Mentee Meetings

Phone Contact

  • Mentor calls mentee to arrange initial meeting and discuss scheduling.
  • Menteecalls mentor to arrange joint attendance at HRP meeting.
  • Menteecalls mentor as needed for advice on HR-related course work and career direction.

1st Meeting

Mentee: / Explain why you are interested in the HR profession.
Discuss your perceptions and expectations of the mentor relationship.
Ask questions.
Plan future meetings and contacts.
Mentor: / Discuss your current job responsibilities.
Explain how you got into the profession.
Discuss the necessary academic and personal preparation needed for your career.
Share your feelings on the importance of networking and continued professional development.

2nd Meeting

Menteespends time "shadowing" the mentor during a typical working day.

3rd Meeting

Discussion of the shadowing experience. Completion of a suggested mentor/menteeactivity. (See list below.)

4th Meeting

Discussion of the mentor experience.
Discussion of the value of additional meetings or contact.
Completion of a suggested mentor/menteeactivity (See list below).

Suggested Mentor/MenteeActivities: Must do at least 2

  • Lunch with mentor, mentee and several other HR professionals to discuss everyday challenges practitioners encounter in their work.
  • Mentee attends a company training program with mentor.
  • Mentor and mentee discuss proper business and telephone etiquette and corporate protocol.
  • Menteeattends a safety committee meeting with mentor.
  • Mentee attends a company staff meeting.
  • Mentor and menteeattend a professional SHRM chapter meeting and/or networking event together. Mentor introduces menteeto other HR professionals.
  • Mentee accompanies mentor to other professional meetings attended. Mentor discusses common employee grievances and issues such as sexual harassment and substance abuse. Explains how they are handled.
  • Mentee observes the development of a special project such as a wellness program or health fair.
  • Mentor reviews mentee’s resume and offers suggestions for improvement.
  • Menteeobserves a day of recruiting.
  • Mentee seeks advice from Mentor for completion of a project/paper assignment