SQA Mentoring Program

The Mentoring Program is a service provided to SQA members through which the Mentoring Program Committee (MPC) establishes a temporary partnership between two members for the purpose of education and networking consistent with the MPC Mission. Not an SQA member? See the benefits of membership.

SQA members may apply to participate as either:
  • A mentor who shares their expertise and advice with someone less experienced in the field; or
  • A mentee who receives support, guidance, and encouragement from a more experienced person.

See below for information on how the program works, who can participate, and participant tools.

NOTICE: No person, organization, or other entity is permitted to reproduce any part of the SQA Mentoring Program without the express permission of SQA.

Mentoring enrollment for Q2 2026 is now closed.

Enrollment will open again in mid to late August 2026 for the Q3/4 2026 partnership cycle.

 

Who can participate in the Mentoring Program?

You!  If you are a member of the SQA, then you can apply to be a Mentor or Mentee!

What about Student Members?

Student Members of SQA are absolutely encouraged to use the Mentoring Program - even if you aren't sure what you want your future career path to be. We have questions on the Mentee application to help us serve students better.

What's in it for me?

The Society of Quality Assurance and the Mentoring Program Committee acknowledges the dedication of its members as participants of the Mentoring Program.  Successful completion of a six-month partnership will result in:
  • Certificate of Participation
  • 8 RQAP reregistration units (maximum of 2 partnerships or 16 RQAP units per year)

Mentoring Program FAQs

Mentoring Program Committee

Contact us: [email protected]

Mentoring Program Community on SQA Connect
(for actively enrolled participants)

MENTORING PROGRAM DATES:

Q1 Cycle:
 - Applications: mid-December to late January
 - Partnerships Announced: mid-February
 - Partnerships End: late September

Q2 Cycle:
 - Applications: early April to late May
 - Partnerships Announced: mid-June
 - Partnerships End: late January

Q3 Cycle:
 - Applications: mid-August to late September
 - Partnerships Announced: mid-October
 - Partnerships End: late May
 
 

How It Works

Prospective participants may submit their applications following the directions above during open application windows, which occur 3-4 times per year. Open application windows are announced via SQA's email list and on the Mentoring Program web page. The MPC reviews applications and facilitates the establishment of partnerships after an application window closes during their next monthly meeting with any necessary follow-up via email. All applicants are notified if a match has been established by the MPC. The MPC supports the formal partnership with tools and progress monitoring for a maximum of six months.

Once the partnership goals have been achieved, each participant completes and submits an evaluation form. The completion of the evaluation officially communicates to the MPC that the formal partnership has concluded, but the individuals in the partnership determine if they wish to continue an informal relationship past this time frame.
The Mentoring Program Partnership Life Cycle looks something like this:

Mentoring Program Partnership Life Cycle

 

Mentoring Program Expectations and Challenges

Mentoring Program Successes

 

Tools for Participants

Mentor Guidance Document


This document was created as a general guide to being a Mentor.  It includes topics such as when to make first contact with your Mentee, documents that you will need to file or may use on behalf of the partnership, such as the Partnership Plan, Communication and Action Item Tracking Tool, and final evaluation, and tips for a successful partnership or how to terminate an unsuccessful one.  Go to this file if you have recently become a Mentor or if you are thinking of becoming a Mentor and would like a better understanding of Mentor responsibilities and expectations.

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Key Definitions

Mentor


A person with specified experience that serves as a teacher, a wise and trusted guide and an advisor. In this program, a Mentor will impart enriching experiences to their Mentee based on their QA experience, will give personal feedback and encouragement in specific situations, and will help the Mentee acquire new technical knowledge and skills by guiding the Mentee through educational materials and toward training opportunities. 

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More Information

Mentoring Program FAQs


Visit this page for answers to questions that prospective and current participants commonly have.

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