What is the Connectors Program?
The Connectors Program offers a professional networking & mentorship opportunity for eligible, foreign-trained professionals seeking to re-enter their profession in the State of Nebraska. The program pairs foreign-trained professionals seeking career advancement with an established career mentor in their field for a three-month mentorship period. Common professions include, but are not limited to: Accounting, Education, Engineering, Law, & Nursing.
How long does the mentorship period last?
3 months.
How often do mentors meet with the mentee?
Mentors are asked to meet with the mentee at least 2-3 times during the 3-month period, with the expectation of ongoing, periodic communication throughout that time.
How much time do mentors devote to the program?
Mentors may spend on average 5-10 hours total over the 3-month period. Do meetings take place in-person or virtually? Either: meetings can be in-person or virtual (phone, teleconference, etc.) depending on the preference of both the mentor and client.
What are the objectives of the mentorship period?
The objective of the Connectors Program mentorship is for the client to receive guidance on job application readiness, professional communication, and expansion of their professional network so that they may launch their careers with connections and confidence.
Who can participate in the program?
To receive career advancement mentorship, one must:
1) identify as a refugee or immigrant in the United States; and
2) have a degree from a foreign country.
To offer career advancement mentorship, one must:
1) have professional experience in the client’s professional field (common professions include, but are not limited to: Accounting, Education, Engineering, Law, & Nursing);
2) be willing to provide guidance for job application readiness and professional communication; and
3) be willing to provide 3-5 professional connections to the client, e.g. prospective employers and professionals who can expand the client’s networking opportunities.
How are mentors and mentees matched?
Mentees will be matched with a career mentor who either has direct experience in the mentee’s career or who has experience with professional coaching and job recruitment in the mentee’s professional field. Additional considerations for matching include preferences of meeting mode and availability.
