The Nevada Emergency Preparedness Association (NEPA) aims to build the next generation of emergency preparedness professionals through the Nevada Emergency Preparedness Mentorship Program (NVEPMP).

The Mentoring Program matches experienced emergency preparedness professionals with students and new emergency preparedness professionals in a one-to-one relationship. It is intended to facilitate the mentoring process among emergency preparedness professionals, recent graduates, and current students in Nevada for one year. The goals are

• to provide opportunities for mentors to enrich their contributions to emergency preparedness and further develop as leaders;
  
• to establish clear pathways to careers in Emergency Preparedness
  
• to enhance the professional development of the emergency preparedness mentee; and
  
• to strengthen the emergency preparedness professional workforce network in Nevada
  

Mentoring relationships are intended to help students make the transition from an academic to professional environment, and to offer an opportunity for professional development, networking, and an exchange of ideas between experienced professionals and the next generation of emergency preparedness leaders.

Mentoring Relationship

Mentoring is a process whereby an experienced emergency preparedness professional (the mentor) guides another individual (the mentee) in the development and examination of their own ideas, learning, and professional development. This relationship has the opportunity of providing support, guidance, and knowledge to facilitate professional success.

Benefits to the Mentor

• Access to a greater professional support system or network and increases a mentor’s own professional network.
  
• Exposure to emerging talent and future workforce pool.
  
• Increased attention to own professional development.
  
• Exposure to diverse thoughts, styles, personalities, and cultures.
  
• Increased knowledge of recruiting success factors.
  
• Increased feedback loop to NVEPMP regarding education and workforce development training needs.
  
• Leadership development in the Emergency Preparedness Profession.
  

Benefits to the Mentee

• Access to a greater professional support system and increase a mentee’s professional network.
  
• Develop new strategies in navigating professional career path.
  
• Identify gaps in knowledge and/or skill sets.
  
• Additional professional and leadership development.
  
• Gain exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences.
  
• Increase knowledge of career success factors.
  
• Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field.
  
• Complement or build upon internships.

How do we match?

Mentors and mentees will be matched based on the following criteria:

• Common interests within the field.
• Common goals and approaches to the mentoring program.
• Other criteria as specifically requested by the mentors/mentees.

The Program Coordinator will contact each participant bimonthly to evaluate the match relationship and activities, as well as regarding any additional information related to program needs. Additional information will be obtained regarding:

• Mentoring activities
• Goals
• Mentorship development
• Opportunities to improve support

Who can be mentor?

Emergency Preparedness professionals can serve as a mentors to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as, new professionals or those changing careers.

Graduate students can serve in a mentoring capacity to undergraduate students establishing a strong student community and pathway from undergrad to graduate programs.

How to apply?

To apply for the mentorship program as either a mentor or mentee:

(1) Make sure your NEPA membership is current

(2) Complete either the Mentor or Mentee application