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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a mentor?
Those wishing to serve as a mentor should have at least five years of professional journalism experience.

Who can sign up to receive a mentor?
Anyone who has completed their education and is now in the journalism profession. There is no limit on the amount of professional experience a potential mentee may have. It’s never too late to learn new ideas!

Can college students receive mentors?
The program is designed to benefit “mentees” who are already working professionally. College students may submit an application but priority will be given to working journalists when placing mentors. Interested students may want to check with their university to see if a mentoring program exists on campus.

How long will it take to get matched?
Matching is based on the availability of mentors, so we can’t give a solid answer on how long the match process may take. SPJ will do its best to make a suitable match, but cannot guarantee a perfect match for every applicant.

Will my mentor help me find a job?
The Mentor Match-up Program is not intended as a job placement tool. The goal is to create a networking opportunity for journalists to share ideas, experiences and goals. If an employment opportunity results from your match, great! However; we ask that you do not sign up for the program if your only goal is to seek employment.