The Institute of Travel Management
(ITM) is expanding its mentoring programme with the launch of a second intake
of candidates for 2021 from 1 July.
The mentoring programme, launched in 2020, provides mentees with access to industry
experts in a one-to-one environment to support their career development and personal
growth. The programme is free of charge for ITM ‘Business’ level
members. ITM expects to enrol a further 15 mentees this year who will be
matched with mentors via a comprehensive profile pairing process
based on their respective skillsets.
The 30 mentees who joined the
programme in January say the key focus areas have been leadership,
personal development, knowledge and insight, as well as networking.
“The Mentoring Programme is one of
various initiatives within our ITM community to connect, educate and support
members, nurture talent, build job security and boost morale via shared
learning during these difficult times in 2021, but also longer term as business
travel returns,” said Scott Davies, CEO, ITM.
One of the current mentees, Kate
Thomas, global travel manager at Ramboll UK, said, “I’ve found the sessions
with my mentor key to driving my profile within the business. My mentor has
provided me with the tools and insight to showcase my worth and clearly
communicate what our travel programme is all about.”
Steve Proud, EMEA travel manager at Citi,
currently a mentor in the scheme, said: “Being a mentor is an inspirational
experience allowing us, as mentors, to share the knowledge we have gained
throughout our careers in a positive way. It gives us the ability to provide
guidance, motivation, goal setting and networking opportunities, as well as
providing the mentees the opportunity to challenge the norm and their
day-to-day approach to life and business. I’m a strong advocate of both career
and personal development, and this is the perfect platform to do
so”.