Mentoring Program

What is it?

The ARCS Mentoring Program is run by the Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists (ARCS). The Mentoring Program was established in response to a growing community of emerging and mid-career collections professionals seeking advice and guidance on complex collections management issues.

Who should participate?

Everyone! Interested mentors and mentees are needed for the ARCS Mentoring Program to be successful. The program builds mutually beneficial partnerships where a mentor, an established museum professional, is matched with an emerging or mid-career professional. Through the program, the mentee can solicit advice and ask questions to develop the skills and experience needed to further their career. The mentor has the opportunity to enhance leadership skills while supporting the collections stewardship community. Both participants can benefit by learning about new practices, resources, and ideas.

ARCS membership is required for participation. Join or Renew your ARCS Membership. 

What are the commitments?

Participants in the ARCS Mentoring Program are asked to commit for a 6-month period. During this time, it is expected that mentors and mentees will communicate and share ideas and knowledge. We will ensure communication is established, and check in on the relationship during the time period. At the end of the 6-month program, the mentor and mentee may continue their relationship at their discretion.

How do I apply?

Both prospective mentors and mentees must fill out an application form, at the links below. Please indicate your involvement as mentor or mentee, your professional interests, and upload your resume. Once received, we will include your information in our review process, which takes into account museum type, area(s) of specialization and interests, and geographic region when working to make suitable mentor/mentee matches.

To apply to the next ARCS Mentoring Program, which runs January - June 2025, complete either a Mentor or Mentee application by Friday, December 20, 2024.

What is the program calendar?

The ARCS Mentoring Program matches mentors to mentees twice each year, once in January and once in July. Mentors are in continuous need, so are encouraged to participate in more than one matching round. Unless mentors are available, mentees will participate in one matching round only.

The program co-chairs will check in with the matches halfway through the mentorship.

What else should I know?

The ARCS Mentoring Program is 100% volunteer run by members of the ARCS Mentorship Subcommittee. The option of mentors will be limited to those available and interested in this professional service. We will do our best to make matches that meet the requests of all participants. If a match is unsuccessful, there may be the option to be paired in the following program round. However, we encourage all mentees to enter these relationships with an open mind and willingness to learn. Questions?

Contact the Mentoring Co-Chairs at rcsmentoringprogram@gmail.com