What if I told you there was a program that increased participants’ desire to stay in the Coast Guard by 72.22%? How about a program where 94.5% of participants feel their career growth is supported? Or a program with 97% of participants satisfied or very satisfied with their involvement?
With those kind of numbers, why isn’t everyone enrolled in the Coast Guard Mentoring Program?! If you are not one of the 4,200 people already enrolled, maybe now is the time. There isn’t a better way to kick of 2025 and celebrate National Mentoring Month then by investing in yourself and others by enrolling in the Mentoring Program.
The Coast Guard Mentoring Program recommends the right person at the right time to help you achieve your personal and professional goals regardless of where you are located. Whether you’re looking for general mentoring, have a specific goal in mind, or want to give back as a mentor, this powerful connection tool is for you!
Growth through Connections
When LT Shelley Turner had interest in joining the small, geographically dispersed community of International Affairs officers, she turned to the Mentoring Program where she found CAPT Aaron Delano-Johnson. “CAPT provided valuable insights into the International Affairs field, shedding light on a community that was previously obscure to me,” stated LT Turner.
LT Turner wasn’t the only one who benefitted from their connection. The “platform has increased my ability to engage with those interested in International Affairs, like LT Turner, helping them make informed career decisions,” said CAPT Delano-Johnson. “It also provides an opportunity for officers and enlisted members who may have never met a Coastie stationed at an embassy to connect with the few who have,” he added.
Judging by the participants’ comments, it’s impossible to determine who gets more out of it: the mentees or the mentors!
RADM Joe Raymond joined the Mentoring Program in 2021 to lead by example and encourage others to participate. After pairing with then-ME2, now LTjg Nik Unda, RADM Raymond said he “soon realized I was the one gaining valuable insights.”
CWO Jordan Ford gained similar insights as a mentor to OS1 Georgette Lopez. “Being able to view the Coast Guard from another person’s viewpoint is a game changer,” CWO Ford said. “Until you hear about some of these member’s careers, education goals and personal struggles, you’re not able to understand what the Coast Guard needs to change for better recruiting and retention needs.”
As a mentee, OS1 Lopez credited CWO Ford as changing the trajectory of her career. Previously content to not advance, OS1 Lopez is overcoming personal struggles and is now pursuing her Doctorate while considering becoming a warrant officer...like her mentor.
These stories are just a few of the connecting and networking successes happening across the workforce. You can read more here.
So, the question is: are you ready to give it a shot?
Choose Your Own Adventure
The Mentoring Program goes beyond traditional mentoring and offers one-time, short-term and long-term options tailored to an individuals’ needs and scheduling preferences.
The program has three tracks:
- One to One Mentoring is traditional mentoring with a twist. The twist: after the mentee (or mentor) fills out their profile, the software instantaneously recommends matches specific to ones needs.
- Communities Marketplace is a way to connect with others based on topics and interests. Like how LT Turner found CAPT Delano-Johnson to learn more about the niche International Affairs Community.
- Welcome Aboard Mentoring helps new civilian employees seamlessly transition and successfully onboard in their first 90-days. Need a mentor to help decipher all the Coast Guard acronyms and help you speak Coast Guard? This is the track for you!
Spread the Word
The Coast Guard Mentoring Program is starting its fourth year with the goal of increasing connections to increase satisfaction, recruitment, and retention. Whether you’re looking for guidance on “A” schools, commissioning programs, badge positions, officer specialties, or civilian career advice, everyone can benefit.
If you want to host a Mentoring Program Roadshow (like this D1 Roadshow or the Employee Engagement Event) or have them present to your team virtually, please reach out to the program at mentoringprogram@uscg.mil.
-USCG-
Resources: