Mentoring at APA
The goal of mentoring at APA is to develop the next generation of planning professionals by pairing experienced individuals with those who want to learn more about their chosen profession. APA believes that supporting healthy relationships between mentors and mentees provides immediate and long-term benefits for the individuals and the profession. The mentoring relationship is dynamic and flexible.
Join us in growing the community of planning professionals.
Guidelines for Mentors and Mentees
Check out our tips for mentees and mentors — read our mentorship guidelines and view or listen to advice from a career development expert.
APA Chapter Mentoring Tips
Check at the local chapter level for opportunities to find a mentor in your area.
Get Tips from Chapter Mentoring Programs
More About Mentoring
A mentor can help shepherd your career and be a sounding board. Mentors give back to the profession and ensure the future of planning is in good hands.
Why Mentor?
By serving in a mentoring role in the complex world of planning, you are furthering professional development and shaping the future of planning. As an advocate, a mentor can help a mentee by providing knowledgeable and strategic advice, and a mentor can offer the perspectives that come only from experience to encourage the mentee to build on core capabilities or pursue an innovative opportunity. Each relationship is different.
"Getting to meet young planners and share thoughts, ideas, emerging trends from old and new school perspectives [was the best aspect]."
—Lucien (Prairieville, Louisiana)
- Claim pro bono CM credits for mentoring.
- Use as a tool for succession planning.
- Provide for leadership continuity.
- Increase retention and development of knowledge and intellectual capital.
- Encourage individual growth and development.
- Establish values.
- Gain a sense of renewed purpose and/or approach to problem-solving.
- Model ethical behavior.
- Share your wisdom.
Why Be a Mentee?
Make the most of your student membership with APA. The classroom may not fully prepare you for the working world. Taking part in a mentoring relationship is the bridge between practical and applied knowledge. As a mentee, you will grow your personal and professional knowledge and network. Your participation is a way to form a professional connection that can lead to opportunities beyond a typical job search.
"Getting to engage with a professional in a more-or-less structured context [was the best aspect], particularly since it was my first conference and I didn't know many people there. It was a great springboard to meet people!"
—Valecia (Auburn, Alabama)
- Focus on your career path and long-term goals.
- Get advice based on real-world experiences.
- Create a lasting professional relationship.
- Gain a new approach to problem-solving.
- Get insight from alternative areas.
- Get recommendations for specific managerial practices.
- Observe ethics in action.
- Connect with a confidant on workplace concerns.