What is Mentor Match?

Mentor Match takes television professionals who want to become better in their field and matches them with seasoned professionals in a different market, who are willing to look at their work and provide critiques and suggestions for improvement and perhaps a little encouragement.

This exciting new NATAS program was started in the Spring of 2004 by president David Mills. We thank the Heartland Chapter for the idea.

For A Mentor Match Application Form, Click here.

Send to:
Mentor Match
NATAS SF/NorCal Chapter
4317 Camden Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403-5007
mentor@emmysf.tv

When does Mentor Match start and how long does it last?
Professional mentorships will start in the spring and continue for approximately 3 months.

What are the advantages to the Mentor?
Chance to give something back.
Networking.

What are the advantages to the Mentoree?
Professional critique of your work.
Professional suggestions for improvement.
No classes scheduled.
Experience with working professionals.
On-going training, career development.
Networking.

What are the advantages to the broadcast television stations?
Training on a one-on-one level with out of town professionals at no cost to stations. All costs are paid by the mentorees in the program.
Improved skills.

What exactly happens in this Mentorship Program?
NATAS will find mentors for professionals in the Mentor Match program, and help them set up their first meeting in person, via email or via phone. After that, the frequency of the meetings is up to the mentor and mentoree.

Are there any requirements to be accepted as a Mentor?
Yes. NATAS is looking for professionals in the television industry that are recognized by their peers as excellent in their chosen field, whether they are photographers, writers, producers, on-camera talent or in sales, accounting or management.

Are there any requirements for the level of participation?
Participation in the Mentor Match program takes into account the hectic schedule of most broadcasters and requires 1) that the mentor set the schedule for the relationship, 2) that the mentor and mentoree communicate via email, phone, or in person a minimum of once a month for the duration of the mentorship program, 3) complete a short feedback form at the end of the mentorship. We suggest that the participants arrange to meet in person at least once, but that is not an official requirement for the program.

How will you match up the mentorees and mentor?
Applicants will be matched according to their first, second, or third choice of interest depending upon the availability of mentors. After that, they will be matched up based on the information on the application.

What is a Peer Monitor?
For Peer Mentors, we identify a professional in the same field but in another market, with whom you can exchange work and discuss your work experience. In this way, both parties benefit professionally, and having someone outside your market provides a particularly objective and fresh assessment of your work.

Give me an idea of what a Mentor Match relationship looks like
Example #1 Alan & Brian
Alan is a reporter in Reno, Nevada and he wants to improve his reporting skills as well as his on air performance. He wants to find a mentor in a larger market. NATAS matches him up with Brian, a reporter at a San Jose station. They agree that once a month, Alan will send Brian videotape of his work. Brian will look at the tape, and note his reactions and suggestions for improvement. In November, Alan will be in the San Francisco Bay Area for a week, and he may spend a day shadowing Brian on the job, which will depend on Brian's schedule at the time.

Example #2 Lindy & Suzy
Lindy is a writer for a San Francisco television station and wants to both be a mentor and a mentoree. As luck would have it, (and seeing as how we are making up these examples, luck is on our side) Suzy is a writer in Fresno and she is looking for exactly the same kind of relationship, NATAS matches the two of them up by giving them each other's phone numbers. Suzy and Lindy agree to email each other their best work once a week. In March, Lindy hears there is a job opening at one of the San Francisco stations. As she likes Suzy's work, she emails her with the suggestion to apply for the job. Suzy gets the job and moves to San Francisco.

Example #2 David & the Genius In Hawaii
Dave is one of the top sales guys at a Hawaii station, but he's heard that there's a brilliant sales guy in San Francisco. He calls NATAS. Is it possible he could get a Mentor out of the region? NATAS responds. We only promise to find someone in your field, not an individual, but hey let's give it a shot. Dave gets his mentorship with the San Francisco genius. The two of them talk on the phone once a week brainstorming ideas. The relationship is so valuable that they continue it long after their yearlong mentorship program is over. At the end of the year, each of them has increased sales by 25%.

Do you have to be a member of NATAS to participate in Mentor Match?
Yes, you have to be a member of NATAS.

Do you mean I have to pay to volunteer to be a mentor?
No, mentors don't pay to volunteer.

How do I apply to be a mentor?
Fill out the application and send it to the NATAS office whose address appears above, on this page.

How do I apply to be a mentoree?
Fill out the application and send it to the NATAS office along with your fee. Send in your NATAS membership application and fee if you are not already a member. Contact The Academy office via email at mentor@emmysf.tv

How will the program be tracked?
There will be a monthly and final report as well as an evaluation of the program.