The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is starting a mentorship program to help entrepreneurial young people get launched in their careers.
Last spring's pilot saw a dozen mentors paired with high school, college and university students in careers as varied as accountancy and graphic design.
This fall, the chamber is once again looking for mentors and young go-getters for its Youth Mentorship Program.
"We're looking for people in a variety of industries. We're looking for [them to be] as broad-based as possible," said Rick Pasin, a chamber director and chair of the Youth Entrepreneurial Committee.
Applicants should be students from 18 to 25 years of age who are serious about their careers and prepared to put time and energy into the program. They can be entrepreneurs or business students, fledgling professionals and even high school students. What the successful applicants will have in common is a zeal for getting a foothold in their career of choice.
The commitment is for 10 hours over three months and to file a report at the end. There is also a $60 fee that can be reduced by volunteering for the chamber.
"We ask a lot of questions [in the application]," said Pasin, "and one of them is 'Do you have time?'"
But putting in the time is worth it because young people will be able to benefit from the knowledge of people experienced in their field, get help and advice with career planning, and learn about leadership, volunteering and networking.
Trevor Sutherland, an accountant at EPR, and the chamber's treasurer, said he wished such a program was available when he was young. "You come out of university and you only have a vague sense of what you wanted to accomplish," he said.
Sutherland was matched with a young man who wanted to become an industry accountant, was very organized and had some ideas about where he wanted to work. But he needed some help targeting his resume and support finding a job. Eventually, Alynn Edwards landed a post with Rokstad Power Corporation in Port Coquitlam as an assistant controller.
"I was finishing a degree and looking for a job, and he offered a lot of support in that process," Edwards said of his mentor. But he said people only get out of the program what they put into it. Fortunately, Sutherland was a good match, and was someone who went out of his way to be helpful and supportive.
But the benefits don't only go one way. Sutherland said he also enjoyed working with Edwards, pointing out that the the Youth Mentorship Program is a way for seasoned professionals to get an infusion of youthful energy and new blood. The program gave Sutherland an opportunity to help a young person in the community.
"It's a way of giving back."
The deadline for applications was Sept. 14 but the chamber will accept them until Sept. 24. More mentors are also needed. To find out more or apply online, visit here
