Mentorship can truly be life-changing. In any industry, at any point in your career, it's helpful to be able to chat through your current challenges and aspirations with someone who has already been down the same road. The amazing folks at WAVIT (Women in AV and IT) have recently developed a mentorship program called Waves of Influence, where like-minded individuals in the AV and IT communities can connect and learn from one another.

If this piques your interest, read on for 8 things to know about the program. Plus, check out my interview with WAVIT's Brandy Alvarado-Miranda and Hope Roth on AVIXA.org!

1. All genders are welcome.

While WAVIT does have “women” in the acronym, nobody is excluded from this community. The mentorship program, and the group as whole, is open to everyone. There have been many male allies in the past who have helped with WAVIT and the AVIXA Women’s Council, and people of all genders are encouraged to get involved. Afterall, creating a safe space for women in the industry is an important issue for the entire industry, regardless of gender.

2. You can be both a mentor and a mentee.

There are so many benefits you can reap from both sides of the mentor/mentee relationship. Even the most tenured industry experts can still learn more from a mentor (and a mentee!), so if you’d like to sign up for both, it is actually encouraged.

3. You choose the times and frequencies of your meeting.

We all have incredibly busy schedules, but that shouldn’t deter you from signing up. If you have somewhat limited availability, just note that in your form so you can be matched with someone who is looking for the same level of commitment.

4. You won’t be matched with someone at your company.

The matches are created very thoughtfully to ensure it’s a good fit for everyone involved. To prevent any uncomfortable situations, you won’t be matched with someone from your company or matched with a competitor.

5. You can choose any goal you’d like to achieve.

What you’d like to get out of the program is entirely up to you. There is no goal too big or too small, and people from all different stages of their career are encouraged to sign up. Some example goals include: transitioning into a different vertical in the industry, moving into a management position, or if you’re new to the industry, just figuring out where to go from here!

6. You’ll get an outline to keep you on track.

Speaking of goals, the program is designed to set you on the right path. So, you will outline your goal from the beginning and make a clear plan for how you will achieve it in a set amount of time. The WAVIT team can help with creating a framework to successfully get you to your end goal.

7. You can sign up any time.

The mentorship program is a rolling admissions process. If you’re not quite ready or available to sign up now, the program will still be open for signups further down the road. If it’s something you’re interested in, set a reminder to sign up at a later date.

8. You’ll walk away with a new connection (and hopefully a stronger sense of community!)

The WAVIT community is a fantastic resource for anyone navigating their career in AV or IT. While many of us get together at trade shows or meetups throughout the year, having a regular check-in with an industry buddy can be incredibly beneficial. For anyone looking for a space to talk about whatever goals or issues you’re facing, this could be a truly amazing opportunity. 

Thanks so much to WAVIT for putting together this inspiring program. If you’d like to learn more about the organization and how you can become a mentor or mentee, head to their website.