Volume 36 Number 1 | February 2022
Connect and Network with Medical Laboratory Professionals through the ASCLS Mentor Match
Stephanie Noblit, Esq., MLS(ASCP)CM, Mentorship Committee Special Advisor
It is hard to believe that an idea discussed in a coffee shop evolved into the ASCLS Mentorship Program. Over the past few years, the Mentorship Program has offered ASCLS members the ability to connect and network through mentorship pairs. Mentors and mentees have had the chance to learn from each other and foster lifelong relationships. The program has grown exponentially in popularity in just a few short years. Last year the Mentorship Committee made the decision to switch the program over to an online platform. This new platform marks an exciting new phase for the ASCLS Mentorship Program and an opportunity for more members to get involved.
The goal of the ASCLS Mentorship Program is to create a supportive environment that fosters a feeling of belonging and value as a member of the ASCLS community. Anyone with an ASCLS membership is welcome to sign up for the Mentorship Program as either a mentor, mentee, or both. When signed into ASCLS Connect, members can create a mentor/mentee profile by clicking on the Mentor Match tab.
“This unique online networking and career development tool helps you find, connect, and share experiences with others.”
Creating a profile is easy. All you have to do is answer some questions about yourself. Once your profile is complete, you can search the mentorship database to find a mentor or mentee. Similar to a dating app, the Mentor Match software allows members to search for a mentor/mentee based on a set of preferences. Members can search for a match based on location, work/life characteristics, job title, areas of expertise, and more. This unique online networking and career development tool helps you find, connect, and share experiences with others. Your mentor or mentee can be in the same city or on the other side of the country.
Once you find someone you are interested in as a mentor/mentee you can send them a match request. Mentors and mentees are free to discuss any goals or challenges the mentee wishes to work toward. In addition, supplemental information on everything from the history of ASCLS to how to plan a state meeting is provided to the pairs in the Mentorship Program communities within ASCLS Connect to further enhance discussion.
Mentor/mentee pairs need to establish a positive, professional relationship with each other by establishing mutual trust and respect and maintaining regular interaction and consistent support. The Mentorship Committee requests each mentor/mentee pair communicate at least once a month using a form of communication that is determined by the pair.
The Mentorship Committee encourages all ASCLS members to create a mentorship profile and take part in the program. The more people that create profiles, the more potential mentors and mentees will be in the database. This allows participants to better find a match suitable for their needs. Our ASCLS Mentor Match program reflects our commitment to you and your professional development, but we can’t do that without your help. So don’t wait! Sign up to participate in the ASCLS Mentor Match today!
If you need any help creating a mentorship profile or searching for a mentor or mentee, please reach out to me and I would be happy to assist you. Additionally, if you have any ideas or suggestions for improving the Mentorship Program, please let us know.
Stephanie Noblit is a Legislative Attorney for non-profit policy organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.