What is a mentor?

At the risk of sounding rude - let me Google that for you ;)

Joking aside, the term mentor comes from the ancient greeks and means a person who can offer encouragement and practical guidance in dealing with dilemmas or problems.

An in2securITy mentor is an experienced IT security professional who acts as a guide to someone new to the profession (the protégé).

Someone to answer questions and provide direction for development, to share past experiences and lessons learned and to help in the generation of contacts and opportunities.

How does it work?

Mentor - protégé relationships are on a one-to-one basis. Potential mentors and protégés will be encouraged to apply and then matched together. This matching will take into account background, specialism and aims. Once a match is made the mentor and protégé decide how the relationship works. Whether it be a monthly chat over coffee or a frequent chats on MSN/Skype its a personal thing. Do what ever works. The aim is to help the protégé define their career and development goals and then help them make (and follow) the plans to get there.

How do I get a mentor?

Download the protégé registration form, complete it and return it to info@in2security.org.nz

How do I become a mentor?

Download the mentor registration form, complete it and return it to info@in2security.org.nz

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my mentor tell me what to do?

No, its not a mentors job to make the decisions or offer advice (in a legal sense), they will offer you ideas and potential solutions - its up to the protégé to decide what course of action to take.

What will this cost?

Nothing - except time and effort. Remember though - if you sign up to a mentor-protégé relationship - you have a responsibility. You should be willing to commit to regular meetings and being available to your partner when they need you. Self development is hard work - don't underestimate it (or the rewards it can bring).

I've never done this before ....

That's fine. All new mentors will be invited to a familiarisation session to go over the basics and the in2securITy team will be on hand to answer questions and help in anyway they can.

What if we don't get on?

So you get a mentor and after a meeting or two its obvious you just haven't clicked... That happens. Just let the mentor team know and you will both be reassigned. We will of course chat to both parties to find out went wrong first - but there is no drama in not getting it right first time.

I have questions not listed here?

Of course you do, get in touch (account required) or alternatively email us at info@in2security.org.nz.