Mentorship Program
Mentorship Overview
Second Act’s mentorship program is the cornerstone of our organization. We take great pride in tailoring each mentorship to the needs of applicants through a thoughtful and individualized matching process to pair mentees with the members of our community best suited to assist them.
Mentorship Types
1:1 Mentorship
Personalized individual coaching with +4 sessions with 1 Second Act mentor
Multi-Mentorship
One-off coaching sessions with multiple mentors in the Second Act network
Mentorship Process
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The mentorship matching process takes place in 3 steps:
1) Mentee applicants fill out our questionnaire and provide background information, interests, and career goals. At this stage applicants also choose between 1:1 Mentorship or Multi-Mentorship.
2) The Second Act team reviews each applicant's profile to determine eligibility for the program, and identify the right mentor(s) for each mentee. Mentors are first notified of a possible match.
3) A kick-off email is then sent to both mentee and mentor, introducing the pairing and setting expectations for the mentorship. For 1:1 Mentorships, mentors and mentees are expected to meet at least four times over a six month period.
Note that mentees in 1:1 Mentorships are also eligible to participate in our Multi-Mentor program.
Mentors
Eligibility
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Background in some form of dance (pre-professional, or professional)
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+20 years of age
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Experience in a field other than dance
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Recommended: pursuing or graduated from undergraduate degree or equivalent certification
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​Expectations​
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Dedicate 1-2 hours per month to coaching sessions, responding to emails and end of mentorship feedback
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Correspond with the Second Act team and mentee(s) in a timely and professional manner
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Mentees
Eligibility
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Pre-professional / professional dance or other performing arts background
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+18 years of age
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Demonstrated interest and commitment
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​Expectations​
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Maintain professional and timely communications with the Second Act team, including mid-point check-ins and end of mentorship feedback sessions
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Treat Second Act mentors with respect, in recognition that this service is free due to the generosity of our volunteer mentors
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"People try and hide dance on their resumes. But when I interviewed in finance, everyone I spoke to wanted to know more about my dance experience. It defines the way I approach work and look at things."
-Leah Hirsch, Board Member