Who is a Mentor? 

• A current employee/young professional in the corrugated packaging industry.  
• Serving the industry in any department or role.
• Recommended for the program by a current supervisor and/or has a minimum of two years' experience in the industry. 
• Committed to participate in the full 9-month program. 
• Good communicator with active listening skills. 
• Ready to support mentees’ growth and build strong relationships. 
• First-time or experienced mentor. 

FAQs 

What am I expected to do? 

• Meet virtually with your mentee at least once per month.  
• Host or coordinate at least one facility visit or plant tour.  
• Provide guidance on career paths, skill development, and professional growth.  
• Respect confidentiality and maintain a positive, constructive environment. 

How long will the commitment be?   

We ask our mentors to make a 9-month commitment (September-June) to ensure that the mentee is able to fully benefit from the relationship. Mentors should plan to offer approximately 60 minutes of support to their mentee per month. 

Who do I contact with any concerns? 

If you encounter challenges in the mentorship relationship or have concerns, we encourage you to communicate with your mentee about the situation, if possible. Additionally, please don't hesitate to contact the ICPF team with any questions or concerns as we are committed to providing full support to resolve any issues in a positive way. 

Tips for Success: 

Building a Positive Relationship: 

• Be approachable, patient, and encouraging. 
• Ask questions to understand mentee interests, challenges, and goals. 
• Share personal stories and lessons learned to illustrate key concepts. 

Virtual Communication Tips: 

• Schedule regular video calls to maintain engagement. 
• Encourage mentee to prepare questions ahead of each meeting. 
• Use screensharing to review resumes, portfolios, or industry resources. 

Preparing for the Plant Visit: 

• Schedule the visit at a mutually convenient time. 
• Prepare an agenda highlighting departments, operations, and key takeaways. 
• Introduce mentee to staff and explain their roles. 
• Encourage mentee to observe, ask questions, and reflect on the experience.