Mentoring - Museums Association

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Mentoring

Learn through conversation, challenge and reflection

We develop our professional practice in a range of ways from attending conferences to completing online learning from participating in networks to shadowing others.

Mentoring for All

A cohort mentoring programme commencing in November 2023

Mentoring for All is a cohort mentoring programme supporting mentees from all backgrounds, disciplines and career stages to develop confidence, competence and connections within the sector.

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Mentoring is an effective 1:1 development tool, where a mentee learns through conversation, challenge and reflection in a safe and non-judgemental space.

The key to a mentoring relationship is that the mentor has lived experience in the sector, field or discipline and can pull on that insight and personal experience to create a reality-based learning situation.

Due to its 1:1 nature, mentoring enables deeper and more individualistic development. This was highlighted as being key for the development of ‘personal qualities’ and new skills for the sector as part of the Character Matters Report.

Benefits of mentoring

Mentors and mentees can share ideas, expand networks, improve interpersonal skills and gain confidence and enthusiasm. Mentees get to focus on their career development and mentors can increase their professional status, keep up to date and give back to the profession.

Mentoring can take place within a formal programme, for example our AMA, or more informally. What is important to note is that to have an effective mentoring relationship mentors and mentees must have a clear understanding of mentoring and the skills required to support it.

Mentoring for the AMA

Those undertaking the AMA have a mentor that works with them over 2-3 years (on average).

We have over 160 AMA mentors supporting our AMA candidates.

We support our mentors with initial training, email updates and mentor refresher sessions.

Being a mentor as part of the Museums Association’s AMA programme has been incredibly rewarding and insightful, getting to meet many different colleagues across the sector, and providing an experienced listening ear to support and guide mentees to becoming well rounded museum professionals. Of equal importance is the ongoing dialogue and sharing of ideas, building new relationships, and tackling challenges, that helps shape the learning journey for both mentee and mentor.

Claire Benjamin, Head of Communities, National Museums Liverpool

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