Seeking A Handful Of HR Experts

by Angela Loëb, 2012 AHRMA VP Career Development

If you've mastered any particular area in the field of HR, we want to know about it! That's because the AHRMA mentoring program is currently seeking a handful of HR experts to pair up with less experienced HR practitioners.

Here's your chance to give back to the HR profession and make a big difference in someone's life. Share your knowledge and expertise with someone who will appreciate what you offer.  

Feeling the tug to say yes, but still not sure if it's right for you to become a mentor? That means you probably still have some questions, such as...

Do I have sufficient expertise?
Chances are if you've been in HR for a while, you've gained some sort of special expertise. Some unique area where you really shine. Maybe you're really good at employee relations, talent management or employee engagement. Maybe you're a rock star in the area of performance management. Or maybe you love the strategic side of HR, having a firm understanding of how to do business needs analyses and how to read a financial report.

You don't have to have a complete mastery of the HR profession to be a great mentor for someone who is eager to know what you have learned so far.  

Ask anyone who's been a mentor, and they'll tell you how rewarding and affirming it is to be able to share expertise. To be able to say, "Here's what I wish I had known when I was just starting out." Then there's the sense of pride when you see your mentee thriving as they grow and move forward on the path.

Do I have the time to do this?
Actually, that’s entirely up to you. You set the parameters on how much time you and your mentee will spend working together. You both will agree on how frequently you get together, and it's up to you to determine how you will meet. Naturally, you can schedule in-person meetings if you'd like, but with today's technology tools, you don't even have to meet in person to make a great connection with each other. You can schedule phone conversations at mutually-convenient times and use free video conferencing tools like Skype and Google + Hangout to make it more face-to-face. Such tools can definitely save you from spending time driving and dealing with traffic.

AHRMA has developed helpful guidelines that will help you create a structure that works best for your time and level of commitment. You can rely on these guidelines to create and maintain healthy boundaries in your mentoring relationship.

What do I gain by being someone's mentor?
Besides the good feelings you get from being appreciated, giving back to the HR profession and making a big difference in someone's life, you will:
- Gain valuable contacts with other HR professionals that enhance your own career.
- Gain friendships that continue well beyond program completion.
- Demonstrate and/or develop your leadership abilities.
- Learn something during the process... about the HR profession... and about yourself.

The bottom line is that you make a small investment in time and energy, yet you receive big rewards emotionally, socially and professionally.

Are you still hesitant... do you still have further questions? If so, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Mentoring Committee leader, Ingrid Ross. She is happy to talk with you personally about the program and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

However, if you’re reading this, and it is resonating with you… and if you’re ready to step up your own career to the next level… don't delay! 

Get in touch with Ingrid today to let her know your interest in becoming a mentor. Your expertise is needed, and we look forward to seeing what great things you will do in 2013!

Please contact Ingrid Ross at mentor@austinhumanresource.org.