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Mentoring

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WTS Puget Sound Chapter 2023 – 2024 Mentoring Program

If you’re interested in being a mentor or mentee, please sign up!

What?

WTS is committed to developing excellence in the transportation industry. To provide support for those who work, or are interested in working, in the transportation industry, WTS’s Puget Sound Chapter is offering a free eight month mentoring program (open to all genders) for those within the Puget Sound area. This encompasses people in all disciplines within the transportation industry, such as aviation, construction management, marketing, public involvement, public transportation, and transportation planning/engineering.

We are seeking:

  • Senior professionals to mentor junior professionals
  • Junior professionals to mentor entry level professionals and college students
  • Mentees who would like to learn from their junior or senior professional mentors on whatever topics and goals they may have

Mentees: If you are looking to take your career to the next level, this is the opportunity for you.

Mentors: No matter what your interests and experiences are, you have the knowledge and experience to share that will be valuable to your mentee.

The mentoring program’s objective is to promote personal development and career growth. The program is not intended to assist with recruiting, promotion, nor the development of business acumen.

When?

The Mentoring program is eight months, starting from October 2023 through May 2024.

How?

Submit an online application using the corresponding links below by Friday, September 29, 2023. The application questions include details about your education and career, your interests and aspirations, and your goals for the mentoring program.

You will be matched up with a mentor or mentee by the WTS Puget Sound Mentoring Committee, and then notified via email of your pairing in addition to an invitation to the Kickoff Event.

Applications are due Friday, September 29, 2023, with exception of Seattle University and University of Washington students (Student applications are due Friday, October 13, 2023). Late submissions will be put on a waiting list, and are not guaranteed to be paired during the current program year — so don’t delay in completing and submitting your application!

Expectations

Please only apply if you are willing to commit to the eight-month program. Mentors and mentees will be responsible for meeting at least once a month on their own during the program – this can be face to face, on the phone, or virtually as agreed upon by each pair. We also ask that you make a special effort to attend each of the three planned events. This program will be approximately 15 hours of commitment spread over eight months.

Planned Events

Kickoff Event: Program introduction will be held in person with a meet and greet with your partner. The event is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, October 26, 2023 on the west side (Seattle). A calendar invite will be sent to participants with details on location and time.

Midyear Event: Professional development presentation (TBD); planned for late January 2024.

Closing Event: Celebratory happy hour and networking event planned for late May 2024.

Participants from previous years have shared their thoughts and experience in the program as well.

“I had a great experience as a mentee in the WTS Mentoring Program. All of the women I met were welcoming and eager to share their knowledge about careers in transportation. I look forward to participating again next year!”
— Stefanie Hindmarch

“WTS program allowed me to meet others in the industry and through mentorship, I learned much from those who are more seasoned in the field and gained valuable perspectives that I otherwise wouldn’t have.”
— Yingying Huang Fernandes

“Having had solid mentors as a new engineer was so helpful to me that I love the opportunity to help others grow in their career. WTS brings together great people to support each other in their development and meet others in the industry!”
— Renee Koester

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, your WTS Mentoring Committee. We are: