Get ready to fuel your career with the CAMP Mentoring Circles Program! Join us now to develop personal and professional relationships with others in the Colorado legal community who can help you learn and grow. If you’re looking for community and peer guidance, you’ll find participating in a circle to be a rewarding part of your experience in the CAMP program.
The mentoring circles concept relies on peer-to-peer mentoring, as opposed to traditional mentoring paradigms. In the circle program, participants of all practice levels are encouraged to join an ongoing circle or propose their own mentoring topic. Topics don’t always have to be practice related and they can cover a wide range of ideas. A few inspiration topics include “Working Moms,” “Young Lawyers,” or “Time Management.”
Circle owners designate limits for the number of participants, set expectations for how, when, and why the circle will meet, and put their proposed circle on a “marketplace” – a listing of circles that need participants. Lawyers browse the marketplace for circles that catch their fancy and when enough people join, the circle owner formally launches the circle.
What benefits might group mentoring bring to your career?
Knowledge sharing:
People from across practice areas and generations can learn from one another, expanding the knowledge pool.
Expanding awareness of career development opportunities:
People looking to get into specific practice areas can network with those who have done so, or connect with colleagues who are currently working on some version of what they’re looking for professionally.
Building personal relationships:
There’s a reason Gallup asks the question “Do you have a best friend at work” as part of their annual Q12 engagement questionnaire. Making friends with people at work contributes to retention, and circles can help people find those with common interests.
Improving innovation:
Solve challenges in unique ways by connecting people with varying skillsets who are interested in solving the same challenge.
What is a Circle?
- It typically will be a group of 5-10 peers who meet regularly to hold discussions pertaining to a shared interest or goals
- Peer led – while one person typically takes ownership of collecting topics, setting meetings, and facilitating circle sessions as needed, all members should contribute to generating topics and goals, and should consider owning any topics of interest or expertise.
- Most circles last between 6 months to 1 year and will meet at least once a month
Why Participate?
- Encourage meaningful relationships with each other
- Expand your network
- Increase access to mentors
- Promote career development
- Support each other through shared experiences
Connect with a Circle Today!
