How to Become a Career Guide
.What is an AGU Career Guidance Program Guide
Career Guides in AGU Career Guidance are the backbone to the program. They help lead program participants identify career opportunities, determine paths for growth, aligning with one of the two session topics; advance your career or advance your science. See topic descriptions here.
Every step of the way, guides help program members identify and strategize their goals with AGU resources. To apply, AGU membership is required.
Why You Should Join
Volunteering as a Career Guide in the AGU Career Guidance program is a valuable experience for personal growth, as well as a means of giving back and connecting with AGU members that are emerging scientists and professionals.All career guides will receive on-demand training, reference materials, and the opportunity to connect with fellow guides, ensuring full preparation for this role while honing leadership and other skills that are transferable to their own career.
If this seems like a great fit for you - review the eligibility requirements and apply today!
Time Commitment
We ask for a six-month commitment to host four month-long sessions. Each session spans a month, beginning with two weeks of self-assessment for program participants, followed by a live virtual event to facilitate collaborative group discussion, and concluding with another two weeks of self-reflection. Time commitment from guides is estimated to be 3-4 hours, per session.
Eligibility
- Current AGU membership
- Willingness to commit to at least one six-month duration of career guidance and host four-month long sessions. Each guidance session lasts one month and includes one one-hour zoom meeting and time for asynchronous interaction with group members, approximately 3-4 hours per guidance session.
- Mandatory completion of a self-paced training module before the first session commences.
- Willingness to be part of a virtual group of other guides for support and fellowship. This is a private forum to share best practices with one another, ask for help, and stay up to date on the latest best practices in mentorship and career guidance.
- Prior or current volunteer experience with AGU programs and/or initiatives (reviewer, Mentoring365 mentor, committee service, governance role, section leadership, etc.).
- In order to ensure the best experience for both guides and program members, we ask for career guides that have traits that will support your ability to be an effective career guide. This could be traits such as the desire to nurture others, employ active listening skills, and have a passion for mentoring others in their careers, work, and/or job searches.
- Proficient with online communications tools (Zoom, email)
- Note: selection of guides will be prioritized in a manner to ensure diversity in career stage, work sector, and geographic location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Career Guide in the AGU Career Guidance program?
Career Guides in the AGU Career Guidance program help members identify career opportunities, determine paths for growth, and identify with topics such as advancing one’s career or science. They also host one live group event per session to facilitate collaborative discussions and support members in strategizing their goals with existing AGU resources.
Why should I volunteer as a Career Guide?
Volunteering as a Career Guide is a valuable experience for personal growth and allows you to give back to the AGU community. You'll receive on-demand training, reference materials, and opportunities to connect with fellow guides, developing a transferable skillset for your own career path.
What are the main responsibilities of a Career Guide?
Career Guides assist program participants in identifying career opportunities, determining paths for growth, and facilitating collaborative discussions. They provide support in strategizing goals with AGU resources and host one live group event per session.
How is each session structured?
Each session will occur in the career guidance platform and will span a month, beginning with two weeks of self-assessment, followed by a live event to facilitate collaborative group discussion, and concluding with another two weeks of self-reflection. Each live event is virtual and will be held on zoom. Resources and examples will be provided to guides to ensure a successful live event.
What training and resources will I receive as a Career Guide?
As a Career Guide, you'll receive comprehensive on-demand training, reference materials, and the chance to communicate with fellow guides as well as AGU staff prior to kick-off of your first session. This preparation ensures you are fully equipped for the role and enhances your own career skills.
What support will I have as a Career Guide?
Career Guides are part of a private forum where they can share best practices, ask for help, and stay updated on the latest mentorship and career guidance trends. This community provides ongoing support and fellowship.
How long is the time commitment for a Career Guide?
Career Guides are expected to commit to one six-month duration of career guidance and host four-month-long sessions. Each session lasts one month and includes a one-hour Zoom meeting and approximately 3-4 hours of asynchronous interaction with group members. Career Guides are also expected to complete a one-time training course before their first session begins and become familiar with the career guidance platform.
What are the eligibility requirements to become a Career Guide?
Eligible candidates should be willing to commit to a six-month career guidance duration; complete a self-paced training module; facilitate asynchronous and real time discussions with a group of 10-15 program participants; and host a one-time virtual online meeting. Additionally, candidates should possess traits such as ability to nurture, be empathetic, and be an active listener and be proficient with online communication tools. AGU membership is required to participate as a Career Guide.
How can I apply to become a Career Guide?
To apply, submit an online application in the career guidance platform highlighting your background information and your interest in becoming a guide. You'll receive additional communications about the next steps if selected.
How are Career Guides selected?
Selection of Career Guides is prioritized to ensure diversity in career stage, work sector, and geographic location. Candidates with prior AGU volunteer experience and desired strong soft skills are preferred. Guides will be notified of acceptance via email from the career guidance platform.
