Mentorship Program

AEE is dedicated to growing the next generation of energy and sustainability professionals.

Connect, Grow, Succeed

Join AEE's Mentorship Program

We are all about putting people first. Our mentorship program aims to nurture the next wave of energy and sustainability professionals. This initiative reflects our commitment to developing a strong workforce and offers AEE members an additional benefit. The program connects emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders, providing valuable guidance and insights. We believe in investing in our members' growth and success; this mentorship opportunity is a tangible way we're making that commitment.

Mentorship Program Timeline

Application Deadline: January 3, 2025
Participant Selection Notification: February 3, 2025
Orientation and Pre-Program Training: February 2025
Program Kickoff: March 1, 2025
Mid-Program Check In: May 2025
Program Completion: August 31, 2025

Benefits

For Mentees:

  • Guided Learning: Gain insights from experienced professionals, understanding AEE’s certification programs and industry intricacies with personalized guidance.
  • Professional Expansion: Expand professional networks, accessing invaluable resources, and opportunities within the energy efficiency domain.
  • Career Advancement: Accelerate career growth by navigating options, setting goals, and leveraging mentorship for strategic career decisions.

For Mentors:

  • Positive Impact: Serve as a catalyst for the growth of the next generation, sharing expertise and shaping the future of the energy efficiency industry.
  • Networking: Expand professional networks by connecting with motivated, aspiring individuals, fostering a sense of fulfillment through mentorship.
  • Leadership Recognition: Contribute to the industry’s development, earning recognition as a leader and mentor within the AEE community.

Learning Outcomes

For Mentees:

  • Understand the benefits of AEE including access to resources, industry insights, and networking opportunities.
  • Develop an understanding of AEE’s certification programs, how to navigate their options, and different certification pathways.
  • Grow their professional network through attending AEE events, guidance on how to approach professionals, and networking best practices.
  • Further develop their career in the energy efficiency industry.

For Mentors:

  • Build and support a positive working relationship through active listening, empathy, and establishing trust.
  • Serve as an expert in AEE and the energy industry ensuring that mentees receive relevant and current information.
  • Provide guidance to mentee to facilitate professional growth including, but not limited to, career planning, skill development, and networking strategies.

Expectations

For Mentees:

  1. Regular Communication:
    • Monthly Meetings: Engage in monthly meetings with mentors for 6 months. Mentees should come prepared with questions, topics for discussion, and updates on their progress
    • Proactive Engagement: Mentees should proactively seek guidance and support from their mentors. They are encouraged to reach out when they require assistance or advice within reason. Appropriate communication times should be communicated between mentors and mentees at the beginning of the program.
  2. Monthly Milestones:
    • Goal Setting: Mentees should collaborate with mentors to set achievable monthly goals. They should work towards these goals and discuss their progress during meetings.
    • Meeting Summaries: After each meeting, mentees should summarize key takeaways, action items, and goals set. Sharing these summaries with mentors fosters accountability and ensures alignment.
  3. Status Updates: (Feedback and Surveys)
    • Mentees should provide timely status updates to the program organizers upon request. These updates allow mentees to reflect on their progress and seek additional help if needed while providing honest feedback.
    • Surveys: Mentees should complete all surveys upon request. There will be a minimum of two surveys throughout the program.

For Mentors:

  1. Regular Communication:
    • Monthly Meetings: Engage in monthly meetings with mentees for 6 months. These meetings should focus on setting goals, addressing challenges, and discussing progress.
    • Availability: Mentors should be available for ad-hoc questions or guidance from their mentees and encourage an open line of communication within reason between scheduled meetings. This will look different for each pair. Clear expectations should be set at the beginning of the program.
  2. Monthly Milestones:
    • Meeting Reports: After each meeting, mentors are responsible for submitting meeting reports detailing the topics discussed, goals set, and action plans agreed upon.
  3. Status Updates: (Feedback and Surveys)
    • Mentors should provide timely status updates to the program organizers upon request. These updates may include progress summaries, challenges faced, and suggestions for improvements.
    • Surveys: Mentors should complete all surveys upon request. There will be a minimum of two surveys throughout the program.

From AEE:

Participants can expect a dedicated AEE contact throughout the length of the mentoring program. We will also provide pre-program training, separate orientations for mentors and mentees, regular program check-in opportunities, and dedicated resources.

Requirements & Application

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Mentee

• AEE Membership: Required
• Must be a Young Professional (Under the Age of 30)
• Must be seeking a degree or career in the energy efficiency or sustainability fields

Mentor

• AEE Membership: Minimum of 3 years
• Experience: 15+ years in the industry
• Certification: Preferred
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership or management training