Application deadline for 2025 cohort: October 31, 2024

We want to see you shine.

So we created a program to prep, polish, and propel you into the next phase of your professional life.

The ICology Mentorship Program is here to propel you into the next phase of your personal and professional life. The crown jewel of our community, this is the only program of its kind in our industry and was created to foster career growth and personal development.

This program is driven by you. As a mentee, you’ll flex your maturity muscles by scheduling meetings with your mentor, developing meeting outlines, recommending extra-curricular activities, and submitting partnership updates when required.

You’ll be supported through group check-ins and access to leading professionals in our industry. Program materials will help guide your conversations and reflections. At the end of the program you’ll receive a graduation certificate (provided you’ve met all requirements) and you’ll be invited to attend our graduation summit at a date and location that we’ll determine as a group.

Mentors

Our mentors are ICology members and industry leaders who donate their time to support your growth. They have decades of experience in communications and leadership and come from a variety of professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds. They are committed to your growth and want to see you soar!

We carefully select mentors with a passion for the industry and extensive experience and expertise. They receive training in how to best support mentees and are matched based on your greatest area of desired growth. You can request a specific mentor if there is someone you’d really like to work with, but we can’t guarantee your request.

Program Overview

Over the course of nine months, you’ll have access to a thought leader in your industry during structured monthly one-hour meetings. In between those meetings, you’re required to reflect on your learning and growth and plan/prepare for upcoming meetings. Each pair must also complete two extra-curricular activities like reading the same book, attending a virtual wellness event, or taking advantage of the free workshop resources exclusive to the program.

Graduation Requirements:

  • Host monthly mentor meetings (at least 8 throughout the program)

  • Complete growth and learning reflections after each meeting

  • Enjoy 2 extra-curricular activities with your mentor

  • Participate in 2 mentee group check-ins

  • Present a 10-minute growth reflection at graduation summit (in-person or virtual)

We estimate the program will take about an hour of your time every week from January through September. This includes mentor meetings, meeting prep and planning, extra-curricular activities, reflection and journaling, and mentee group check-ins.

Investment

The program requires a one-time investment of $999 USD paid by January 1, 2024. Flexible payment options are available.

  • There are so many wonderful free resources in our industry and we hope you take advantage of all of them! We also hope you invest in yourself and your future. If $999 is to much to cover at one time, consider the monthly option ($99/month) to spread out the payments. We accept all forms of payment and will do whatever it takes to make things work for you.

  • If personal investment is not an option for you, let’s work together to propose a professional development plan to your boss. Not only will this help you financially, it sure looks good to be proactive in your approach to learning and leadership.

    Download a template to write a proposal letter (PDF)

    Download a pitch deck to make a presentation (PPT)

    Download a one-pager info sheet on the program (PDF)

    If it would help to schedule a conversation with our program director and/or a past mentor to discuss the value of the program with your boss, we can easily make that happen. We can also schedule a pep talk before you approach your employer. Email kristin@joinicology.com to discuss either of these opportunities.

  • Once we’ve exhausted all options, let’s chat about a scholarship for the program. There are a limited number of them available and they are only available once the above options have been explored fully.

Criteria to Apply

You do not have to be an ICology member to apply to the program but will need to join our community before the program starts in January 2025. Membership is $199.99/year or $19.99/month.

The application process is less about acceptance into the program and more about matching you with the right mentor. It’s crucial that we get to know you and your goals before we pair you with a mentor.

Mentee applicants are required to:

  • Have at least 5 and no more than 10 years of career experience (does not have to be solely internal comms)

  • Submit application and participate in a video conversation with program director

  • Demonstrate a passion for improving the employee experience through first class internal communication

  • Possess a commitment to career growth and development

  • Be willing to accept feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn

  • Complete the program as outlined

Timeline

  • September 13, 2024: applications open for the 2024 cohort

  • October 31, 2024: last day to apply

  • November 30, 2024: pairs are confirmed

  • January 2025: program kickoff (virtual)

  • September 2025: Graduation Summit (in-person, date/location TBD)

You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

  • No but you will need to become a member by the time you join the mentorship program. Membership is $199.99/year or $19.99/month.

  • During the application process we’l ask you all kinds of things about your career experience and where/how you want to grow. Based on this information, we’ll match you with a mentor who has achieved similar goals and has a complementary personality to your “mojo.”

  • You probably won’t live in the same city so all meetings will be virtual. You can use any meeting platform you choose: Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, or whatever is easiest for you.

  • Be nervous, but don’t be afraid! You’ll have access to a library of meeting guides, including a “getting to know you” worksheet for your first meeting.

  • That’s ok! We know it’s not always easy to coordinate travel and while we hope you can join us, we understand if it won’t work. You can make your presentation virtually and still earn your program certificate.

  • Reach out to Kristin Hancock anytime: kristin@joinicology.com