DMA Mentoring Scheme - shaping the next marketing generation

Wednesday 8^th March saw the fifth round of the DMA Mentoring Scheme, led for the second time by business coach Emma Shelton-Smith. The event was held for the first time at the newly refurbished DMA offices, which provided the perfect setting for the evening. Emma got things off to a flying start by hosting a mentor workshop to introduce and discuss the benefits of the scheme. There was a wealth of knowledge in the room with individuals ranging from House of Fraser to Deloitte to REad Group, so it promised to be another great event!

We were joined by some familiar faces, with a handful of the mentors having taken part in previous mentoring events. Aris Tsontzos, Head of Data at the League Against Cruel Sports said, ‘I was keen to come back for another round because it’s such a fulfilling thing to do. My first mentee and I still keep in touch… it’s been a pleasure watching him grow as a marketer and a person, and I’m so proud of what he’s achieved.’

The end of the mentor workshop signalled the arrival of the mentees who were eager to get stuck into an evening of networking – and not just because of the wine! Each mentee and mentor spent five minutes together in a ‘speed dating’ type scenario, where the sound of the bell signalled their opportunity to openly discuss experience and aspirations and gauge if they felt they’d be a good pairing. After this came the networking drinks where everyone had the opportunity to continue any unfinished discussions before making a final decision on who they wanted to be paired with.

The mentoring scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young professionals looking to develop their career in marketing. Whether you share career aspirations, are looking for guidance or need a sounding board for issues at work, it’s an invaluable tool both in personal and career development. As mentee Emma Swycher said, ‘Embrace every opportunity – the DMA Group is an incredible organisation to be a part of, the opportunities provided are amazing. Jump in and make the most of it!’

Likewise for established marketers, the mentoring scheme is as equally rewarding. Pete Jakob, MD and Founder at Purple Salix commented, ‘I got a lot of value from working with the last mentee from the mentoring scheme helping her think through some career decisions and talk through some specific work challenges. Like good marketing, it’s a good exercise in thinking about how your own experiences can be relevant and useful to the person you’re sharing them with.’

If you would like to register your interest in the next event taking place in mid-May in London as a mentee, please follow this link. To register your interest as a mentor please follow this link. If you have any questions about the scheme, or would like to discuss your suitability, please contact Jessica.Reilly@theidm.com