Are you hungry to level up in your career, but not sure of next steps?
Are you longing to form deeper connections with other women in the industry?
Looking for ways to be of service and give back to your Twin Cities film community?
Then the MN WIFT Mentorship Program is for YOU!
The program matches pairs of like-minded mentors & mentees for a 3-month duration, creating a safe container in which to learn from one another and form lasting bonds. Through the program, mentors and mentees can empower and learn from each other to develop our creative voices, share resources and ideas, build industry professionalism, expand our skill sets, orient our career paths, and nurture strong bonds. Together, we’re a strength, a voice, a force!
WHAT THE PROGRAM IS:
A fulfillment of the MN WIFT mission to ENGAGE, EMPOWER, and EDUCATE.
An opportunity to connect with other MN WIFT members in a safe, compassionate environment.
A means to share wisdom, strengthen the fabric of our industry network, and dream together.
WHAT THE PROGRAM IS NOT:
A job or internship opportunity
An opportunity for free labor, training, or coaching program
A therapy session. Do not expect your mentor to solve all your problems, and do not attempt to fix everything for your mentee!
Program Duration & Commitment:
Application Period: Thursday, December 19th, 2024 - Friday, January 31st, 2025
Matching Period: Saturday, February 1st, 2025 - Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
Kickoff Event: Week of March 3rd, 2025 (TBC)
Program Duration: Monday, March 3rd, 2025 - Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Closing Event: Week of June 2nd, 2025 (TBC)
Mentors and Mentees agree to connect every other week for the 3 months of the program.
Mentors and Mentees will decide together on a meeting structure and format that best suits their schedules, e.g. meeting dates and times, text based, virtual or in-person, etc.
Eligibility:
Applicants MUST be MN WIFT members in good standing. No exceptions!
Mentees MUST be 18+ and based in Minnesota, or planning a move to Minnesota within 6 months of the program.
Mentees must show a commitment to a career in the film, television, and/or new media through at least one year of relevant work experience. This can be formal credits with an established company, or project that came out. We’ll also accept unpaid work on short films, internships, or work in an adjacent field like social media, advertising or theater.
Reach out if you have questions about your qualifications!
Applications are now open for the 2025 Cohort
FAQ’s:
What if I can’t commit to the events, or all 3 months?
Then please consider reapplying when you can make the commitment.
What if program members are not able to attend the orientation?
Attendance at the orientation is mandatory to ensure all participants are aligned and to announce mentor/mentee pairings.
What if I’m unhappy with my mentor/mentee pairing?
We understand that our attempt to match may not be ideal for mentor or mentee, and we will do our best to re-pair you with a different mentor/mentee if it is possible. Otherwise, we can defer your participation for the next run of the program.
What is the cost?
This is a FREE members-only program. If you are not a member, consider joining in order to apply. A student membership costs $25 for the year, where an industry membership is $55. Pricing options can be found on our website.
If I’m on the board, can I be a mentee?
Yes, but priority will be given to non-board members.
If I’m on the board, can I be a mentor?
Absolutely! We encourage it!
Can I be in the program as both a mentee AND a mentor?
We’ve tried this in the past, but this year we’re aiming for folks to enter the program as either a mentor OR a mentee. Not both.
Can people reapply if they participated last year?
Yes, but priority is given to people who have not been able to participate before.
MN WIFT MENTORSHIP CODE OF CONDUCT
Whether you are a Mentor or a Mentee or both, the MN WIFT Mentorship Program is an opportunity for members to connect and lift each other up with a spirit of generosity and strength.
Through the program, mentors and mentees will aim to empower and learn from one another, share ideas and resources, expand skill sets, build professionalism, and navigate changing career paths in an ever evolving industry.
The following Code of Conduct defines the behaviors and roles expected of participants in the MN WIFT Mentorship Program:
Both the Mentor and Mentee agree that this program is not an internship or job, nor does participation in this program guarantee future employment opportunities.
Mentors and Mentees agree to connect every other week for three months.
Mentors and Mentees will establish a mutually agreed-upon structure and format for their meetings; this includes the days/times of meetings, and where/how the meetings will take place whether they will be via text, email, virtual or in person.
The Mentor and Mentee acknowledge that their partnership is unique, and that there are a variety of different approaches to mentoring.
Mentors and Mentees will report any breach of this Code of Conduct to the MN WIFT Board of Directors.
Mentors and Mentees should maintain confidentiality through the program as well as after the program has ended.
Mentors and Mentees will alert one another to any private or confidential information that may need to remain private or confidential outside of the relationship.
Mentors and Mentees agree to promote a healthy balance in the relationship.
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