Successful people never get there alone.

AMA Baltimore is dedicated to helping marketers in all stages of their career grow. That’s why we launched the Mentor Connections program. This unique program pairs established marketing experts (Mentors) with early and mid-level marketing professionals (Protégés) for one-on-one mentoring.

While keeping time commitments to a minimum, 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 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, we will host a kick-off “Meet the Mentors” speed dating event where Protégés will have the opportunity to meet our Mentors in a relaxed and fun environment. (Note: per Covid restrictions, the kickoff event may be hosted over Zoom vs. in-person. More details to come.) We will also review the program details and offer tips & suggestions for a successful mentorship. At the end of the event, Protégés will select up to four (4) “preferred” Mentors based on their conversations. The Mentor Connections committee will then pair one Protégé with one Mentor – pairings to be announced one week after the kick off. 

Over the next 5-6 months, Protégés will set up meetings with their Mentor every 3-4 weeks – for a total of 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 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 “Meet the Mentors” kick-off event.
• Pay program fees prior to the kick off “Meet the Mentors” event. Note: 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.
• Initiate (schedule) the meetings and any prep work in advance of the meetings.
• Keep all communications within your Protégé/Mentor relationship confidential.
• Complete an evaluation at the end of the formal program.

To Apply

We are now accepting applications for 2021-2022. Applications are due by January 3rd, 2022. The program will be capped at 40 protégés.

Mentor Connections is open to AMA members and non-members. Early bird pricing is available for protégés through November 12th, 2021 at $75 for AMA Baltimore members and $200 for non-members. The regular protégé participation fee is $125 for AMA Baltimore members and $250 for non-members. Mentors participate for free (we thank you for your time).

Protégé Application
Mentor Application

Note: if you have any questions about the program, please contact Lillian Prempeh at lillian@amabaltimore.org.

Past Mentors

Mentors from previous programs include marketing professionals in leadership from:

• Black Hills Information Security
• Channel Communications
• American Urological Association
• Response Labs
• TEKsystems
• IBM
• Mid Atlantic Farm Credit
• BGE
• Walden University
• Kiddie Academy
• Early Light Media
• The Wellness Network
• 15Four
• R2integrated
• Gelberg Signs
• Orange Element