Mentoring Program on the Move
One of the early matches of the revitalized HLNDV mentorhsip program features Richi Chaudhry and Chuck Walczak. In November of 2007, they shared testimonials as to the value this mentorship program has provided to them:
Richi Chaudhry - The Mentee Perspective
The HLNDV mentor/mentee program has been a very timely and valuable experience for me. The program's match process introduced me to my mentor, Chuck, at a time when I was seeking a career change and advice regarding various facets of my professional growth.
My connection with Chuck formulated in a structured manner where we outlined objectives, discussion topics, and goals that we both wished to accomplish. Since I was searching for a new role, I prepared lists of job hunting type questions and charged him with helping me strategize as soon as we met.
During our first meeting, I decided to be honest and openly discussed some of the roadblocks I was facing and my fears of the job search process. Chuck quickly picked up my questions and offered me direct advice as well as honest opinions of an experienced healthcare professional. He guided me to to consider areas of healthcare I had not thought about, and also went as far as connecting me with his network.
Before I knew it, our formal relationship had turned into an informal friendship. I became very comfortable with picking up the phone and discussing opportunities and interviewing situations with him. I began to run personal strategies by him, which he either agreed with or offered alternatives to.
This process was not only a good planning mechanism, but presented me with moral support and new found confidence. Receiving instant direction from somebody who had been in my shoes as an early careerist and was at a point in their career where I strive to be served as an extremely beneficial experience for me. Needless to say, he was instrumental in my career change, which I am now extremely content with.
As I continue to grow professionally, my relationship with Chuck has become very important to me. I am able to discuss issues with him without a fear of being judged and can run ideas by him without any questions or inquiries. It is a relationship I highly recommend for all early careerist like me who have a desire to grow and achieve success in their respective careers.
Chuck Walczak - The Mentor Perspective.
As a mentor, I have found my experience very rewarding from a number of perspectives - the most of which is tapping into the energy and enthusiasm of my mentee, Richi.
Not to say I feel I lack these attributes, but in some ways I've certainly winded-down a bit from my immediate post-fellow days. It's been fun to be re-energized as a result.
Additionally, as we have discussions, I find myself doing a lot of introspection and reflection in terms of what I've learned and how I've processed experiences. Prior to this program, I don't think I've been very good in being thoughtful to myself in this regard.
This relationship has also helped to keep me contemporary on various aspects of areas in her line of work.
From a personal standpoint, it also is nice to know there is someone I can call anytime and "bounce some ideas off of" or ask for some perspective without having to go into a big explanation as why I'm calling.
For anyone who's becoming tenured in their I highly recommend becoming a mentor to help you reach even greater heights in your own journey.
