By Roxanne Feige and Lindsey Robertson, WTS-DC 

The WTS mentoring program is a unique opportunity for transportation leaders to connect with the next generation of emerging professionals to expand their network and grow within their careers. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has forced us to rethink what a traditional mentoring program looks like and how we connect. In March 2020, as the world shuttered, the WTS-DC Mentoring Committee was forced to adapt and turn the in-person mentoring program into a virtual one. As we reflect on the year and prepare for the 2021 program, we have learned that the virtual mentoring connection can be just as enriching and rewarding for both the mentor and mentee. To ensure the success of the virtual mentoring relationship, we have come up with a few tips to share:

• Set Goals and Expectations: Setting goals, either personal or professional, will provide structure to the conversations, and the mentor can serve as a sounding board and advocate. It’s also essential to make sure that you set expectations early to ensure you both are getting what you need from the relationship.
• Remain Committed: Make sure that you and your pair are meeting regularly. Schedule regular monthly meetings—it shows that you value the time together, and it’s the best way to get the most out of the program. A good practice is sending a calendar invite to your pair, so it’s on both calendars. Another tip is to check in 24 hours in advance to confirm your meeting.
• Be Flexible:  Understand that sometimes meetings will need to be rescheduled, and that's okay. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and retain balance as we all work and live in the same place. Try and notify the other person as far in advance as possible with the conflict. Just make sure you still schedule another time to meet.
• Listen actively: Seek to understand and talk through situations. Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding. Mentees can even take notes while meeting with their mentor to help them remember the conversation and advice later.
• Share: Mentors should share relevant experiences and insights on transportation industry topics that are of interest to the mentee. We encourage mentees to attend at least two of the three group events hosted by the WTS-DC Mentoring Committee. At these group events, mentees can take notes to discuss with their mentor and gain additional insight. Though nothing can replace in-person meetings, it’s helpful to have your camera on during virtual meetings to share your face and to help build the relationship. ?
• Connect through Empathy: Part of being a mentor is creating a place for the mentee to share frustrations and not get overwhelmed by them. Good mentors find the balance between showing empathy and encouraging action.
• Get Creative: While all meetings are virtual until it is safe to meet in person, try and find something in common to enjoy together during meetings. It could be having coffee/tea together, changing up your background on Zoom, playing a quick online game, or maybe doing a virtual tour.

Happy mentoring!

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