By Mike Harris
The Athletic
Ask highly successful journalists what they have in common and the answer will likely be the same: A mentor.
In fact, no matter your line of work, someone to look up to for help and guidance is valuable. We all need someone to give us advice, to pat us on the back when we need it and kick us in the backside when we need that, too. Praise, constructive criticism, a friendly ear at the right time – all are things a good mentor can and will do.
To that end, APSE has created a mentorship program in which sports editors or aspiring sports editors from smaller news organizations will be matched up with more-experienced journalists to help them along their path.
The program is simple: After APSE makes the match, the mentee will travel to the mentor’s shop for an afternoon (if distance allows), so the pair can spend some time getting acquainted. APSE will provide up to a $200 reimbursement for that trip.
After that, the pair will communicate at least weekly by email and will have a longer phone or video chat at least once a month, where the mentee can ask questions and receive advice and the mentor can evaluate some of the mentee’s work. And a Facebook group will be established where all the mentors and mentees can share ideas, thoughts, issues and advice.
The pair will also attend their respective APSE region meeting during the calendar year, where they will get more face time. And they will be strongly encouraged to attend the APSE convention in June.
If you are interested in being a mentor, please reach out to Mike Harris at MJHRVA@gmail.com.
If you are interested in having a mentor, please submit an application via email to Mike at MJHRVA@gmail.com and APSE President Todd Adams at toddadams52@hotmail.com. Your application should be in the form of a letter explaining briefly your career path to date, your career goals and how you think the APSE mentorship program will benefit you.
Three applicants will be selected for the program the first year.
Please submit your applications by Dec. 22. Those chosen will be notified and matched with a mentor by Jan. 1, 2020.
Reach out to Mike at the email above if you have questions.
