As of January 2019, the Emerging Conservation Professionals Network (ECPN) and Conservators in Private Practice (CIPP) are piloting a mentorship program for emerging conservation professionals (ECPs) who have recently started or plan to start a private practice.
Volunteer mentors and mentees were solicited for this program in November 2018. The ECPN/CIPP Mentorship Program Advisory Committee has worked to pair a small group of ECPs with mentors who can provide guidance and support based on their own experience working in private practice, taking into consideration each party’s preferences and goals. Mentees have been provided with an honorary membership to the CIPP specialty group for one year. The program will begin with a 9-month trial period (from January 2019 to September 2019).
Based on both the feedback from program participants and the needs of the broader membership, this program may be repeated and expanded in the future.
Program Goals:
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Facilitate productive relationships between emerging conservation professionals and more established conservators in private practice.
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Provide a network for conservation professionals in private practice who may be more geographically isolated.
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Provide support to emerging conservation professionals entering into private practice.
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This program is NOT intended to provide training, job placement, or work referrals.
Expectations:
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Commit to regular appointments with your mentor or mentee at mutually agreeable intervals (at least once per month is recommended). Please respect his or her time and send notice well in advance of any scheduling changes or cancellations.
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Please understand that you may be asked to participate in an evaluation of your experience after the close of the initial mentorship period.
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Additional guidelines and suggested structure for the mentorship period will be provided upon matching with a mentor or mentee.
Questions? Please contact the Chair of ECPN at ecpn@culturalheritage.org.