Note: The Mentorship program is a benefit for IMIA members only.

The IMIA Mentorship Program consists of promoting mentoring in the profession by helping connect mentors and mentees within our community of professionals.

Mentors - or guides - can be indispensable to moving up in your career. They play a very important role in career planning. A mentor can help teach you what you need to know about your job, your organization and your field. Often this person is the most valuable resource for figuring out some of the less obvious information - for example, who the real decision-makers are at your organization or field or what fellowship review committees look for in applications - that can help you reach your career goals. In addition, a mentor may be able speak up on your behalf, such as when you are being considered for a staff or other position. Many confuse mentoring with practicums or internships, but those that assist interns are called preceptors, also called internship supervisors, not mentors. An internship site might also have a specific internship supervisor who coordinates and connects interns with their preceptors. In healthcare, most internships are called practicums. Mentorships, on the other hand, are long term relationships between more experienced professionals with those coming into the profession. These can be rich relationships that not only help the newcomer but also hones the skills of the veteran interpreter as well.

Qualifications to enter the IMIA Mentorship Program required include:
1)  Successfully completed a medical interpreter training program of at least 40 hours
2)  Being a practicing professional medical interpreter for at least 1 year
3)  Being an IMIA member in good standing and maintaining membership throughout mentorship.
4)  Commitment to attend the phone or face to face meetings that are set between you and the mentor for a minimum period of 6 months.

To find a medical interpreting training program in your area please go to:
http://www.imiaweb.org/education/trainingnotices.asp

To become an IMIA member go to:
http://www.imiaweb.org/members/application.asp

Please contact your State Representative if you are interested in finding a Mentor:  http://www.imiaweb.org/states/default.asp


How can I become a mentor?
Mentors usually learn a lot from each experience and most volunteer and do not charge for their services. If you are interested in being a mentor please email your resume to info@imiaweb.org.  Upon acceptance, your name and email would be posted on our Mentorship Program page for future mentees to join.

Qualifications required include:
1)  Being a practicing professional medical interpreter
2)  Successfully completed a medical interpreter training program of at least 40 hours
3)  Successfully passed a medical interpreter performance test
4)  Over 5 years of experience as a medical interpreter in several settings\\

Qualifications preferred include:
5)  Educational background in Translation and/or Interpreting of more than 40 hours, such as a College Certificate or Degree
6) Experience as a preceptor or mentor
7) Experience as an interpreter manager or educator
8) Experience and training in Mental Health

Basics of Mentoring
http://gmj.gallup.com/content/976/basics-mentoring.aspx

Mentor Basics
http://www.cod.edu/teleconf/soaring/teleconference3/mentoringbasics.htm

Mentor Guide for Mentors
http://www.ncwit.org/pdf/IMentor_MentorGuide.pdf

Mentor Guide for Protégés (those being mentored)
http://www.ncwit.org/pdf/IMentor_ProtegeeGuide.pdf

Mentoring - Boundaries
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mentoring-recovery/2010/10/mentoring-basics-boundaries/