Mentorship Program

Are you looking to advance your career or share your insights with peers? Our 6-month AAF Charlotte Mentorship Program connects passionate mentees with experienced mentors, providing a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and make lasting connections.

The program addresses one of AAF Charlotte’s key goals: to foster leadership in our community to improve the quality of the Charlotte marketing, advertising and creative community.

*Applications are open through mid-December, and we’ll kick things off in mid-January. You must be an AAF Charlotte member in order to participate.

    1. We will pair up “like-minded” partners to match up personality and industry types.

    2. Mentor/Mentee will not work in the same company together in order to ensure an open and safe environment for the relationship.

    3. AAF Charlotte will host an official kick-off to introduce and initiate the partnership. 

    4. Mentor/Mentee should maintain a regular meeting schedule to reinforce the relationship. 

    5. AAF Charlotte Speaker Events will provide an opportunity for Mentor/Mentee to gain insights together. 

    6. AAF Charlotte will periodically check in with both Mentee and Mentor

  • The Program is specifically designed for mid- to senior-level professionals across all types of advertising disciplines.

    You MUST be a member of AAF Charlotte in order to participate.

    These include Account Management, Creative, Strategy & Planning, Media Planning & Buying, Social Media, Digital Marketing, etc.

    • MENTEE: To become a Mentee in the Program please provide the why and any additional information about yourself below.

    • MENTORS: All mentors will be vetted and followed up with to confirm their commitment to the program and their Mentee.

    • Have the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of making a difference in the career development of another person by sharing your knowledge and experience.

    • Make a meaningful contribution to the growth and strength of the Charlotte marketing and advertising community

    • An opportunity to enhance your own leadership skills, interpersonal and communication skills.

    • Gain further recognition as a leader; growing your own professional network in the community.

    • Encouragement/support in your career growth and development as an experienced and trusted professional.

    • Guidance in becoming a leader in your profession and community.

    • Access to an objective and unbiased point of view, navigating career obstacles and making career decisions.

    • Opportunity to have candid conversations in a safe place regarding sensitive or even taboo questions about the industry, community, salary or career challenges.

Meet KENYA and MALIA

Kenya (mentor) and Malia (mentee) participated in our 2023 Mentorship Program. Read on to learn about their experiences.

Kenya’s Perspective: The Joy of Mentoring

Inspiration and Rewards: Kenya’s decision to become a mentor was driven by her desire to make a positive impact. She finds immense joy in providing guidance and support, knowing that her efforts can significantly influence someone’s career. Reflecting on her role, Kenya says, “Being a mentor allows me to positively impact someone's life. Whether it's providing guidance, support, or sharing knowledge, knowing I've made a difference in someone's journey is incredibly rewarding.”

Memorable Moments: For Kenya, one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring Malia was witnessing her success. She recalls a particularly memorable moment, “My favorite moment of the mentorship program was when Malia told me that she got a job offer after we prepared for the interview together! I was so excited to hear that all of her hard work paid off in a big way.”

Advice for New Mentors: Kenya emphasizes the importance of active listening in a mentor-mentee relationship. She advises listening twice as much as speaking, as active listening helps build a solid foundation. Understanding a mentee's goals, challenges, and perspectives is crucial for providing relevant and effective guidance.

Malia’s Journey: New Role

Background and Goals: After college, Malia started her career with 84.51, specializing in data insights consulting and retail media management. She then transitioned to a role at a retail media agency under Omnicom, focusing on paid retail search. Despite her impressive career trajectory, Malia felt isolated in a new city and longed for in-person collaboration and deeper industry knowledge.

The Need for Mentorship: Feeling isolated and eager for professional growth, Malia sought out the AAF Mentorship Program. This initiative connected her with Kenya, a seasoned professional who would become an essential guide in Malia’s journey. Malia explains, “Prior to meeting Kenya and finding the AAF mentorship program, I was feeling isolated living in a new city and working remotely. I was ready to make a move to a role that involved more in-person collaboration and allowed me to expand on my industry knowledge.”

Mentorship Impact: Kenya played a crucial role in Malia's professional journey. She helped Malia explore her motivations, recognize her natural talents, and outline her three-year career goals. With Kenya’s guidance, Malia refined her resume and sharpened her interview skills, leading to a successful job application and interview process.

 

The AAF Mentorship Program is more than a professional development initiative; it is a transformative experience that fosters growth, builds connections, and nurtures future leaders in the advertising industry. Malia and Kenya’s story is a testament to the profound impact that mentorship can have on both mentors and mentees. We encourage all AAF members to consider participating in this invaluable program, whether as mentors or mentees, to continue fostering a supportive and dynamic community.