Mentorship Program - AMA Baltimore

Successful people never get there alone.

This unique program pairs established marketing experts (Mentors) with early-, mid-, or advanced-level marketing professionals (Protégés), targeting those looking to upskill, make job transitions, or grow an entrepreneurial venture for one-on-one mentoring. We aim to help Protégés make progress toward specific career goals, regardless of where they are in their respective career journeys.

To quickly build the social rapport required for a successful mentoring relationship, Protégés meet every 3-4 weeks with their mentor over a 6-month period to facilitate the exchange of ideas, develop new skills, gain experience, and grow professionally. In the end, Protégés are provided an engaging mentorship experience and participants build lasting relationships.

Please note, Mentor Connections is NOT a job search or recruitment program and protégés are required to be currently employed in a marketing capacity.

How It Works

According to a study by the American Society for Training and Development, 71% of Fortune 500 Companies have mentorship programs, and 75% of those executives say that their mentor helped them achieve those positions. However, it takes work. Mentoring is not some magic wand that automatically creates success. The truth is that effective mentoring requires a strong commitment, specific skills, accountability and shared structure from both the Protégé and Mentor. Success happens only when both parties take responsibility for making it work. The end results, however, are more than worth it.

Program Dates & Expectations

A key component of any working relationship is compatibility. That’s why in January 2024, Mentor Connections will host a kick-off “Meet the Mentors” speed dating event where Protégés will have the opportunity to meet our hand-selected Mentors in a relaxed and fun environment. Protégés will have a chance to review the biographies of all Mentors beforehand. We will also provide Protégés and Mentors useful tips to help guide introductory conversations that might shape individual preferences or reveal mutual interests. At the end of the event, Protégés will select up to four (4) “preferred” Mentors based on these brief but focused conversations. The Mentor Connections committee will then pair one (1) Protégé with one (1) Mentor – pairings to be announced one (1) week after the “Meet the Mentors” kick-off event.

Over the next six (6) months, Protégés will set up meetings with their Mentor every three (3) to four (4) weeks – for a total of six (6) meetings. The Protégé is responsible for initiating the meeting and completing any agreed to commitments in advance of each meeting. As an added benefit of participating in this program, we are offering our Protégés and Mentors the opportunity to participate in a special training program, specific to their role as a Protégé or Mentor. This program is not available to the general AMA membership. Details to be announced at the “Meet the Mentors” kick-off event.

There will also be one “social” event for Protégés and Mentors, providing an opportunity to meet others in the program, share results and build your network.

In this program, Protégés are expected to:

Complete the application form
Attend in-person “Meet the Mentors” kick-off event
Pay program fees prior to the “Meet the Mentors” kick-off event*
*Protégé applicants who do not find a Mentor will be refunded any program fees
Attend six (6) one-on-one meetings of at least one (1) hour each
Participate in at least two (2) AMA Professional Development virtual events co-sponsored by Mentor Connections (approximately 60-90 mins duration)
Initiate (schedule) the meetings and any prep work in advance of the meetings
Maintain the confidentiality of all mentoring communications
Complete an evaluation at the end of the formal program

To Apply

We are now accepting applications for 2024. Applications are due by Friday, December 31, 2023. Protégé enrollment for Mentor Connections is capped at 25. We encourage prospects to apply early and to enjoy the early-bird price discount (see below).

Protégé Early-Bird Pricing: $100 (AMA members) / $200 (non-members) until Monday, December 18, 2023.
Protégé Standard Pricing: $175 (AMA members) / $275 (non-members) from Tuesday, December 19 through Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Mentor Connections mentors are the primary source of value for this program. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and the personal sacrifices they make during the duration of the program.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Dr. Sylvia Long-Tolbert at sylvia@amabaltimore.org.