Register your interest in becoming a mentor or mentee in the Emerging Conservators SIG Mentorship Program!
This is a great opportunity for mentees to ask questions and receive valuable feedback, and for mentors to meet new members of the profession and give back to the field by sharing their valued experience. Mentors can additionally receive points towards their AICCM professional accreditation.
There are two options to sign up for – connecting for a casual chat, or for a structured mentorship project.
The structured mentorship program runs for three consecutive months, beginning anytime between May and August, at a time that suits you, and requires a minimum time commitment of one hour per fortnight. The program requires mentees to submit a short proposal to your mentor, and a mentor/mentee acquittal on completion (see information below).
If you do not wish to participate in the full program, but would like to be matched up for a casual conversation as a mentor or mentee, you can also indicate that in the survey below. Note that professional accreditation points for mentors may not apply – if you would like to ensure that you receive points, let us know in the comments and we can advise you of the requirements.
Please note: All projects under this round of the mentorship program must start prior to the 31st August 2022.
Open to AICCM members, register your interest online by Sunday 3 April 2022 (midnight): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AICCMMentorshipProgram2022
INFORMATION
Mentors and mentees will benefit from exchanging knowledge and being exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking. We hope this program can expand each participant’s network and be the catalyst for longer-term relationships.
How does it work?
Mentors and mentees are matched based on interests. The full program requires a minimum three-month commitment, starting any time between May and August 2022. After introductions and initial discussion, the mentee will submit a mentorship project proposal to their mentor for feedback. Once the proposal is finalised it will be submitted to the AICCM Emerging Conservators SIG for record-keeping. Throughout the project mentoring can include web chats, phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. Frequency is at the discretion of those paired, however a fortnightly check-in with your mentor/mentee is recommended. All projects need to follow the AICCM Code of Ethics and Practice. At the completion of the project a short acquittal report will be submitted in order for the mentorship to be formally recognised by AICCM and to benefit the future development of the program.
How will mentees benefit?
Mentees can connect with experienced conservators, and develop skills in areas such as condition reporting, digitisation and archiving, conservation treatment, intangible heritage preservation, research and publications, lectures and presentations, environmental sustainability, business skills for private practice, project management and conservation management, or another project you devise.
How will mentors benefit?
Mentors can accrue points towards their AICCM professional membership, connect with new conservators, and get the feel good factor of sharing knowledge with mentees to build the industry’s professional skills base. Knowledge sharing may include feedback on practical treatments, theoretical discussions, developing research or presentation skills, or a project-based application e.g. digitisation, creating a WIKI, writing a paper, or assisting via a project management role. Note that professional accreditation points may not be awarded if the “casual chat” only option is selected – if you would like to ensure that you receive points, let us know in the comments and we can advise you of requirements.
Who can apply as a mentee?
Students currently training in a cultural heritage program or emerging conservators in their first 5 years of practice. You must be a current member of the AICCM. If you are applying for the full structured mentorship program, please take existing commitments into consideration. It is not a requirement, but it is recommended that mentees submit projects that are a part of existing study, work, or volunteer programs, as past mentees have found this most achievable. Students choosing a treatment-based project need to have completed the Treatment 1 subject (Grimwade Centre, University of Melbourne), a similar subject at another course/university, or have equivalent practical conservation experience.
Who can apply as a mentor?
Conservation professionals with 3+ years of experience, and/or specialist knowledge to impart (for instance, experience as a PhD candidate or professional knowledge in an associated field).
How to apply?
1. Register your interest online by Sunday 3 April 2022 (midnight): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AICCMMentorshipProgram2022
2. Responses will be collated, and you will receive your matched mentor/mentee contact details. We will endeavour to include everyone who signs up. Acceptance is dependent on numbers and matching areas of interest between mentors and mentees.