CCC’s 2026 Mentoring Program FAQs Thank you for your interest in the CCC 2026 Mentorship Program! This FAQ section is designed to help you understand what to expect, decide if the program is right for you, and confidently submit your application. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the CCC DEI Team at dei@careercounselorsne.org. 1. What is the purpose of the Career Counselors’ Consortium (CCC) Mentorship Program?The CCC Mentorship Program serves two equally important purposes: it strengthens the career development field by connecting professionals across experience levels to learn, grow, and expand networks together—and it advances CCC’s mission to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and professional excellence. 2. Who may want to consider applying to the CCC Mentorship Program as a mentor or mentee?We warmly welcome everyone currently working in—or seeking to enter—the career development profession. We define “career development” broadly, including roles in higher education, corporate and organizational settings, workforce development, and private practice. Above all, we especially welcome participants whose voices, perspectives, and lived experiences have been historically underrepresented in the field. Everyone’s participation strengthens the richness and positively impacts our field and community. 3. Do I need to be a current CCC member to apply? Is membership included?You do not need to be a current CCC member to apply for the Mentorship Program. As part of the program, all participants receive a complimentary one-year CCC membership. Visit our “Membership Benefits” page to explore the full range resources, events, and opportunities available to our members. 4. Is there a cost to participate in the CCC Mentorship Program?The CCC Mentorship Program is completely free to all participants. The CCC is honored to offer this opportunity as part of our mission’s commitment to strengthening the career development profession and growing an inclusive, diverse community of career practitioners and leaders. 5. How long is the mentoring program and what is the expected commitment time frame?The CCC Mentorship Program runs for five months (January 2026 through May 2026). Mentor–Mentee pairs are asked to meet at least once per month and stay engaged throughout the 5-month program. 6. When does the program begin and end?The official kickoff orientation will take place in January 2026, and the program concludes with a community wrap-up celebration in May 2026. 7. Can I participate if I live outside the United States?Absolutely, yes! While the CCC is based in the USA: Boston, Massachusetts, and many participants are from the U.S.A, the Mentorship Program warmly welcomes applicants from across the country and around the world. To support successful matching, the application includes questions about your time zone, preferred meeting times, and availability across days of the week. These details help us align mentoring pairs as thoughtfully as possible, especially when in different parts of the world. 8. How are Mentors and Mentees matched?The CCC DEI Team carefully reviews every application to create thoughtful matches based on professional goals and experience, communication and accessibility preferences, scheduling availability, and more. Every application receives individualized attention to support a well-informed matching process that creates a meaningful and productive mentoring partnership. 9. Is every applicant guaranteed to be matched with a Mentor or Mentee?The CCC DEI Team strives to create as many meaningful mentorship matches as possible. We cannot, however, guarantee that every applicant will be matched. Factors such as the total number of applicants, availability, areas of professional interest, and time zone considerations all play a role in making thoughtful, effective matches. We encourage everyone to apply, knowing that each application is reviewed with the utmost care and consideration. 10. How does scheduling—time zones, times of day, days of the week—factor into the matching process?Scheduling preferences are important elements in creating an effective mentorship match. The application asks about your time zone, preferred times of day to meet, and the days of the week that work best for you. These details allow the CCC DEI Team to make mindful and effective matches that support scheduling ease and steady engagement throughout the five-month program. 11. Are my application responses confidential?Absolutely yes! Everything you share in your application is kept confidential and reviewed only by members of the CCC DEI Team so we can make effective matches between Mentors and Mentees. 12. Is training provided before the mentoring partnership begins?Yes. All Mentors and Mentees are invited to a virtual Mentorship Program kickoff and orientation in January. The session reviews roles, expectations, and the wide range of viewpoints, life experiences, and communication and learning styles that participants may bring to the mentorship partnership. It also offers mentorship pairs a chance to connect for the first time and begin building rapport. Our goal is to set every mentoring match up for success from the very start. 13. What meeting methods are allowed to be used in the Mentoring Program?Most mentoring partnerships meet through virtual platforms like Zoom or Teams, or by phone. However, pairs are welcome to use any communication method that works best for them—including video, email, phone, or even in-person meetings if both parties agree. The application includes a question about your preferred meeting methods, which helps us take this important factor into account when making matches. 14. Can Mentors or Mentees share communication, learning, or processing preferences, and request to utilize certain meeting and notetaking technology platforms?Absolutely. The application invites both Mentors and Mentees to share any communication or processing preferences that may help them engage more comfortably and effectively. These might include using captions, recording sessions for personal review, receiving an agenda in advance, or using AI-generated meeting notes or transcripts (i.e. Otter.ai, Fathom, Fireflies.ai). Sharing this information is entirely optional and helps us make thoughtful matches and support a partnership rhythm that works well for both people. 15. What if I need support, an adjustment, or guidance with my mentoring partnership?If anything becomes unclear, uncomfortable, or not quite aligned, you are always welcome to reach out to the CCC DEI Team at dei@careercounselorsne.org. We are here to listen, offer guidance, and help determine whatever next steps will best support you in creating the most positive and meaningful mentoring experience. 16. What are some examples of professional development goals or Mentor expertise areas found in the CCC Mentorship Program?The program supports a wide range of goals, here are some of the many possibilities: 17. What if my schedule or availability changes during the program?We understand schedules can shift. If your schedule or availability changes please notify your mentor or mentee and contact the CCC DEI Team at dei@careercounselorsne.org. 18. What if I do not have a LinkedIn profile or resume?No problem. These materials are optional and only used to support matching. Plus, we understand that one or both of these items might be an area you are seeking mentoring. 19. Can I apply to be a Mentor/Mentee if I have participated in the CCC Mentorship Program before?Absolutely YES! There are questions on the application that specifically ask about your previous experience with the CCC Mentorship Program and other mentoring programs. 20. When will I be notified on the Mentor-Mentee match details?The CCC DEI Team is committed to completing the matching process and notifying each applicant by the end of December 2025. |