Mentor Match FAQs
GENERAL
What is Mentor Match?
Mentor Match is a structured benefit of CORD membership designed to strengthen leadership, scholarship, and professional growth within academic emergency medicine. It is an online platform — including a searchable directory — that helps members form purposeful mentoring partnerships.
Mentor Match is user-driven. Mentors and Mentees enroll, define their preferences, and intentionally connect with colleagues whose experience, goals, and expertise align.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Mentor Match is a member benefit available exclusively to CORD members. There is no additional cost to participate.
How are Mentors and Mentees matched?
- Members enroll as a Mentor, Mentee, or both and complete required demographic selections to define their mentoring preferences.
- Mentees search for Mentors based on selected criteria and request a connection by clicking the Mentor badge on a profile.
- Mentors search for Mentees and request a connection by clicking the Mentee badge.
- Once a request is sent, the recipient may accept or decline. A mentoring relationship begins once the request is accepted.
- Mentor Match empowers members to choose partnerships intentionally rather than relying on automatic assignments.
FOR MENTORS
How do I become a Mentor?
If you are a CORD member, enroll as a Mentor and complete your demographic selections and profile. A thoughtful profile increases alignment and helps Mentees identify strong matches.
Who are the Mentees?
Mentees are fellow CORD members seeking guidance, perspective, and partnership as they grow in leadership and academic emergency medicine.
Can I mentor more than one person?
There is no formal limit; however, we encourage you to accept only the number of mentoring relationships you can support meaningfully. You may limit the number of requests you are willing to accept via "Maximum Mentees" within your enrollment settings.
How do I find a Mentee?
After enrolling, visit the “Find a Mentee” page, apply your preferred criteria, review profiles, and send a request by clicking the Mentee badge on a profile.
How will I know if someone requests me as a Mentor?
You will receive an email notification prompting you to accept or decline the request.
Is it acceptable to decline a request?
Yes. We encourage thoughtful alignment. If you decline, we recommend doing so respectfully. If appropriate, consider an introductory conversation before making a final decision.
What if I am temporarily unavailable?
You may update your status to “Temporarily Not Participating” on the Mentor Enrollment page. This removes your profile from search results. Please communicate directly with any active Mentees regarding your availability.
How do I conclude a mentoring relationship?
If the relationship has reached its natural conclusion, mark it as “Completed” on the “My Mentoring Relationships” page.
If the partnership is not the right fit, we encourage a respectful conversation before formally closing the relationship.
What are the expectations for Mentors?
Mentors commit to:
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- Responding to requests in a timely manner
- Establishing clear expectations early
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Engaging consistently throughout the agreed-upon period
How much time should I expect to invest?
We recommend at least one hour per month, but the schedule should be mutually agreed upon. Even brief conversations can create meaningful impact. The CORD Academic Assembly and Regional Meetings may provide opportunities for in-person connection.
What recognition do Mentors receive?
Mentors are volunteers. Active participants receive a Mentor ribbon or badge recognizing their leadership and contribution to the CORD community.
FOR MENTEES
How do I become a Mentee?
Enroll as a Mentee, complete your demographic selections, and strengthen your profile. Clear goals and a complete profile increase the likelihood of forming a strong match.
Who are the Mentors?
Mentors are CORD members who have volunteered to guide and partner with colleagues as they grow in academic emergency medicine.
Can I have more than one Mentor?
There is no formal limit; however, we encourage intentional selection. Be mindful of mentors’ time and choose relationships that align clearly with your goals.
How do I find a Mentor?
After enrolling, visit the “Find a Mentor” page, apply your criteria, review profiles carefully, and request a connection by clicking the Mentor badge.
What if I don’t hear back?
If you do not receive a response within one to two weeks, you may follow up using the contact information on the Mentor’s profile.
What if the match isn’t the right fit?
Not every connection will align perfectly. If needed, have an honest and respectful conversation, thank your Mentor, and begin a new search.
Where do mentoring conversations take place?
Mentors and Mentees determine the format and cadence that work best for their partnership. Most mentoring conversations take place virtually, allowing flexibility across institutions and geographic regions. The CORD Academic Assembly and Regional Meetings also provide valuable opportunities to connect in person and strengthen the mentoring relationship.
How long does a mentoring relationship last?
We recommend establishing expectations and duration at the beginning of the relationship. Clear communication about goals, time commitment, and cadence supports a successful experience.