As IAAPA supports the growth of its members’ businesses and careers, it also looks to help develop the next generation of industry leaders. Within this mission, the IAAPA Young Professionals Subcommittee created a mentorship program in 2017 to connect mentees with industry veterans. Through this program, young professionals learn more about career paths within the global attractions industry, while also building their networks and cultivating professional development knowledge.
“IAAPA is all about connecting,” says Jessi O’Daniel, chair of the subcommittee and general manager at Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Austin, Texas. “What better way to do that than by learning from a pro or inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.”
Applications for the 2023 IAAPA Young Professionals Mentor/Mentee Program will continue to be accepted through November. Mentee candidates must be 35 years old or younger (excluding undergraduate students) and be a member of IAAPA or part of a member company. Mentee applications are available at IAAPA.org/YPMenteeApplication. Industry veterans with a minimum of five years’ experience who wish to become mentors can submit an interest form at IAAPA.org/YPMentorInterestForm.
A task force of subcommittee members will review submissions at the end of the year to pair mentors and mentees for the 2023 program, which will run from January through December.
Pairs are expected to meet a minimum of three times a year, virtually or in person.
“We have so many success stories from mentor/mentee pairings, and many stay in touch and continue connecting on a regular basis, long after the annual program has completed,” O’Daniel says. “Being a mentor to an up-and-coming young professional is such a rewarding way to give back to the industry, and I have learned that sometimes the mentors learn just as much as the mentees.”
For more information about the IAAPA Young Professionals Mentor/Mentee program, visit IAAPA.org/Young Professionals or contact [email protected].
