Do Something Great: Professional Relationships Last a Lifetime

By Dani Sheehan. 

No matter where you are in your career, this mentorship program offers a chance to advance your career through professional development and networking. 

Do you love the industry and want to help share your excitement with those that are just starting out? Or are you new to the roofing industry and looking for some extra support as you work into your career? With IIBEC’s Project Excel, join a mentorship program to add to your own professional development and encourage others at any stage of their career. 

To be a mentor, you need to be an active member of IIBEC for at least two years, preferably having some involvement in your local chapter. You must have significant experience in the building enclosure industry, whether still employed or retired, and you must be available for at least one hour a month throughout the duration of the mentorship. Mentor applications are already open! Pairings will be made between the end of February and the beginning of March 2024, and the program will run from March to September 2024. Worried about your experience level? Any experience is valuable, and this program is meant to benefit both mentor and mentee in sharing professional resources, expanding their networking reach and establishing long-term relationships for career development. 

Mentors are encouraged to be available as much as possible for their mentee while maintaining healthy work life boundaries, and to practice active listening during their time together. Get to know your mentee’s career goals and experience before offering your own expertise. Find events for career building and help them grow their network by introducing them to other experts in the industry. And most importantly, celebrate successes! Not everyone is an extrovert, and it can be intimidating to put yourself out there. Let your mentee know you can be a sounding board for those anxieties or ideas.  

Mentee applications will begin December 1, 2023. To be a mentee, you also must be an active member of IIBEC and must be employed or seeking employment in the building enclosure industry. Students are welcome and encouraged to apply! You’ll get the most of this experience if you’re willing to take the initiative, get to know your mentor and develop a plan of action to reach the goals you set. This is an opportunity for you to invest in yourself and grow professionally through real world experience and guidance.  

See how you can create lifelong professional relationships and build your social capital with IIBEC’s mentorship program.