As you may know, the Eritrean Diaspora Network launched a Professional Mentorship Program last year. We are thrilled with the program’s success and are opening up enrollment for the upcoming year! EDN will be accepting applications for the 2016 Mentorship Program November 1st through December 5th from prospective mentors and mentees. If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, please email your resume to eridiaspora@gmail.com including a paragraph describing your interest in the program, why you believe mentorship is important, and how you hope to support your mentee. If you’re interested in being a mentee, apply here. We’ve had much success connecting participants from diverse professional and educational backgrounds with one another. In lieu of our regular Professional Spotlight, this month we are giving you an inside look at the mentorship program by profiling a mentor and mentee pair.
Bahrenegash
Bahrenegash Getachew is a Mentor in the EDN Mentorship Program. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and is currently a resident at John Hopkins Hospital. Here’s what he had to say about his experience with EDN’s Mentorship Program:
What made you decide to Join the EDN Mentorship Program as a mentor?
The prospect of working with and helping guide kids from my country was too great of an opportunity to pass up. In addition, I knew that the leaders we have now were on top of it. All I had to do is literally join and start mentoring. I didn’t have to worry about logistics and organization etc…
Why is Mentoring so Important?
I get to give back to my community. I also learn as much (probably more) from my mentee than he does from me.
How do you feel about the match EDN Setup for you?
It was terrific. My mentee was looking to enter the same career field as my own so it was easy to guide him. He is also smart and ambitious so it was a great experience.
What would you say is your biggest gain from the program?
The biggest gain is the satisfaction I get from mentoring (I know, it sounds a bit selfish). It was great to be able to provide guidance for someone and watch them get some good results.
Why would you recommend the EDN Mentorship Program to incoming mentors?
It’s a very well organized program! If you are interested in giving back to the community, this is a great way to share some of your knowledge and skills with someone who’s looking to grow professionally.
What was your favorite part of working with your mentee?
Seeing my mentee grow as a person and a future MD. I look forward to continuing my relationship with him and seeing him develop.
What would be one piece of advice you’d give someone applying to the EDN Mentorship Program?
Mentors, go for it. Even if you feel like you don’t have time to do it. The Professional Development Team will work with you and figure out how they can support you in times when life gets busy. You’ll make a difference.
Abenet
Bahrenegash’s mentee is Abenet Micheal. Abenet graduated from Boston College and is currently looking to apply to medical school.
What made you decide to join the Mentorship Program?
I decided to join the Mentorship Program to seek out a valuable learning relationship with somebody who is in my career path. I wanted to obtain advice and guidance from someone who was going through the life and career challenges that I’m currently experiencing.
Why Is Mentoring so Important?
Mentoring is important, because there is no limit to the wisdom that someone else’s experience can offer another’s. Mentoring is important to me, because it helps me answer the many questions that I have in trying to achieve my goals.
How do you feel about the match EDN set you up with?
As a pre-med student I was paired with a mentor who was completing medical school. I had the fortune of being matched with a very appropriate mentor who had the knowledge and even the authority to help me in my endeavors.
What would you say is your biggest gain from the program?
I have gained guidance and wisdom. I have gained a relationship with someone who can offer guidance and direction.
Why would you recommend the EDN Mentorship Program to incoming mentees?
Having someone who shares your heritage as well as your career goals can boost your knowledge as well as confidence.
What’s was your favorite part about working with your mentor?
I find it personally inspiring to speak to other Eritreans who have the same goals as me. Having that connection with a mentor is invaluable
What would be one piece of advice you’d give to someone applying to this program as a mentee?
I would advise others applying to this program to be open minded and curious. Having a mentor is a resource to be taken advantage of. Also, apply!
We hope Bahrenegash and Abenet’s testimonials give you some insight into the benefits of EDN’s mentorship program, and we encourage you to apply. If you have questions or concerns about the program please email us at eridiaspora@gmail.com.