Mentoring Program
Have questions about the mentorship program?
Contact President-Elect, Joey Sminchak at [email protected].
Started in 2010, the SMPS St. Louis Chapter’s Mentoring Program is designed to be an additional resource for our members to help share best practices, expand their network and provide a sounding board for less experienced members. The program teams marketers at all experience levels with seasoned A/E/C industry marketing professionals in a supportive, one-on-one environment. The program’s goal is to provide both the Mentor and Mentee with a professional relationship that is mutually rewarding.
Mentors and mentees will be paired based upon specific career tracks, years of experience and areas of interest and expertise. We are careful to ensure that pairings are not made from members of competing organizations.
As a mentee, you will:
- Acquire guidance for growing your career
- Increase your knowledge and professional understanding
- Learn more about issues and trends specific to the A/E/C industry
As a mentor, you will:
- Provide guidance based on past experiences, both good and bad
- Take time to help Mentees learn more about the industry
- Create a positive counseling relationship with open communication
- Help Mentee identify problems and help provide solutions
- Refer Mentees to other professionals, where appropriate
Eligibility
- MENTEE: An SMPS member in good standing committed to meeting with assigned Mentor over the program term from May to October 2026. Mentees of all levels are welcome; beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- MENTOR: An SMPS Member in good standing. Mentors are assigned as intermediate, advanced, peer-to-peer, and C-suite levels.
Program Expectations
- The Mentor and Mentees each commit to being paired together for six months.
- It is expected that the pairs take it upon themselves to meet at least monthly and communicate on a regular basis, as required by the mentee.
- Mentees should have the support of their firm supervisor to participate in the program.
- The SMPS St. Louis chapter will check in with the pairs every month or two. If you have concerns with your pairing, please reach out to Joey Sminchak at [email protected].
- Surveys will be conducted halfway through and at the conclusion of the program. Your feedback is appreciated.
- Participants should be a SMPS member in good standing for the duration of the program.
How The Program Works
- Applications: All prospective Mentees must complete the application form and return with a copy of their resume by the deadline. Early submissions are encouraged.
- Pairing: Once the application is received, the applicant will receive an invitation to a kickoff meeting in May where they will meet their selected Mentor.
- Mentorship Program: Once pairs are made, each pair will be required to meet face-to-face at least one hour each month, or you may customize to your needs/individual requirements and schedules. A commitment letter will also be required for Mentors/Mentees to sign.
- During the program, the President-Elect will follow up with Mentors and Mentees to assist participants and evaluate the progress of the relationships.
- Commitment: The Mentor and Mentees each commit to being paired together for six months. Mentees should have the support of their firm supervisor to participate in the program.
Program Schedule
- Application Period: The application period will run from March 17, 2026 – April 30, 2026. All applications are due by 5pm on April 30, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged.
- Application Evaluation/Notification: Applications evaluated by the Executive Committee and pairing of mentors and mentees will occur April 30 - May, 6, 2026. Mentors and mentees will be notified of pairings.
- Program Kick-off Meeting: A kickoff meeting will be scheduled in May 2026.
- Mentorship Program: The program will run from May 2026 through October 2026. Each pair will be required to meet face-to-face at least one hour each month, or you may customize to your needs/individual requirements and schedules.
- Program Conclusion: Concluding event and brief survey will be distributed to participants.
How To Submit An Application
All mentee applicants must submit a copy of their resume with their application by end of business day on April 30, 2026.
Click the appropriate link below to complete an online application. Please note, applications do not autosave and must be completed in one sitting.
If you have any questions about the program or the applications, please contact Joey Sminchak.
Advice For Mentors And Mentees
For Mentees
- Potential mentees must consider their readiness and availability, as well as the commitment needed to participate in the program. If you believe a mentoring relationship would be helpful to your professional development. this is an opportunity to actively pursue and obtain guidance and advice.
- Consider how and why support and guidance from a more experienced professional will benefit you. This is not about finding a new friend or making inroads into a new company. Rather mentees must determine specific goals for this relationship and consider how they will apply them towards building their career. Mentees understand that ultimately he/she is responsible for making decisions affecting their careers.
- Although both the Mentee and the Mentor need to develop and nurture their relationship. the program is designed for the Mentee to practice initiative and to play an active role in the partnership. It is the responsibility of the Mentee to contact his or her Mentor and set up the required monthly face-to-face meetings.
- Your Mentor will make a commitment to your professional development. Therefore, kindly respect the sacrifice of time be appreciative of the help received from the mentor.
- As the Mentee you are responsible for taking the lead with your mentor in determining the issues to be discussed at future meetings. Research discussion topics, viewing them as an opportunity to apply new knowledge to job performance and career goals. We recommend that the Mentee come to each meeting prepared with written questions or objectives, and an openness and willingness to accept guidance and constructive insights from the Mentor. Mentees should be eager to learn and open to new ideas and suggestions.
- To be successful, this relationship relies upon honesty and forthrightness. Trust that your Mentor has your best interests in mind.
For Mentors
A mentor is a role model who is committed to the mentee’s development in the areas of competence, confidence, and career development. A mentor functions as an advisor, coach, counselor, and promoter.
- As an advisor, the mentor is first a careful listener to explore the mentee’s needs, motivations and desires. A mentor is willing to share his/her knowledge with a less experienced mentee through direct advice in a particular area for the development of the mentee. The mentor might answer specific questions about marketing issues; might give advice regarding the politics of a firm’s organizational structure; might suggest how to deal with an individual or difficult situation, or provide information about where to go for further resources.
- As a coach, the mentor provides a supportive environment for the mentee to explore his/her career development. The mentor understands that a mentee needs feedback, honest advice, guidance and direction, being mindful of benefiting the mentee. A mentor is patient and understanding – willing to respond to the needs of a mentee in an unselfish and caring way without being a crutch. A mentor is a sounding board for ideas and options, but lets the mentee make his or her own decisions.
- As a counselor, the mentor helps the mentee obtain a sense of place, meaning, and connection to his or her firm, the marketing profession, and to A/E/C and other related firms in the industry. A mentor facilitates growth in an individual by sharing knowledge and special insights that have been learned through the years. The mentor offers wise counsel based on knowledge and experience outside normal learning channels like college and university courses or training programs.
- As a promoter, the mentor motivates, inspires and encourages the mentee to tackle challenges to make lasting changes. A mentor has a sincere desire to enhance the success of the mentee.
- Please note: Every effort is made to accept all eligible entrants into the program, but acceptance cannot be guaranteed. Acceptance depends upon the number of Mentees who apply and the ability of the program liaison to make beneficial and appropriate pairings.
Note: There is the possibility of an undesirable Mentor/Mentee pairing where individual expectations cannot be met for various reasons. If this happens, please contact Joey Sminchak.
