Electronic Security Association Now Accepting Applications for New Mentorship Program

The program lasts nine months and pairs young security professionals with industry veterans to learn more about the profession.

IRVING, Texas — The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has announced the launch of its latest member benefit in the form of a Mentorship Program. The Mentorship Program is designed to foster the growth of rising leaders within the industry and assist in bridging the gap between multiple generations.

The structured, nine-month program will connect those looking for guidance and growth in their security industry career with industry veterans who have committed to sharing their experiences and perspectives. The program will officially begin with 25 mentor/mentee pairs in January and the Class of 2016 will be announced at the 2016 ESA Leadership Summit, set for Jan. 31-Feb. 3 in Chandler, Ariz.

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Members of the Young Security Professionals (YSP) Group Council and ESA staff will match mentees with mentors from ESA-member companies based on developmental goals and areas of interest included in the participant applications.

The ESA says the cornerstone of the mentorship program is the comprehensive Professional Development Series, in which mentors and their mentees will meet for a minimum of two hours per month either in person or via phone/video conference. The in-person meetings will begin at the Leadership Summit and also take place at ESX and at a special event in October that will mark the culmination of the program.

Mentorship pairs will also read and review two books over the course of the program: Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers: Developing Change-Driving People and Organizations by Robert Kriegel and David Brandt, and Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatzis.

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Mentors and mentees are also encouraged to participate in philanthropic efforts to give back to their communities and/or the industry. Participants are encouraged to support the efforts of ESA Gives Back or volunteer for national or local causes. Mentors and mentees are also strongly encouraged to take an active role in local government relations activities. Government relations activities may include organizing an event in their home state, setting up meetings with elected officials to discuss topics important to the industry or simply staying informed on legislation that could positively or negatively impact the industry.

Eligible mentees must be under 45 years old and employed with an ESA member company for a minimum of one year. They must submit a completed application, resume and letter of recommendation by Nov. 20, along with their manager’s approval in writing.

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