Mentor/Protégé Program

*Applications for the 2026 SMPS Austin Mentor/Protégé Program are now open! Reach out to Brittany Hendrickson if you have questions at [email protected].

The SMPS Austin Mentor/Protégé Program offers an exclusive chance for one-on-one mentoring with a seasoned professional in the AEC industry. This initiative is integral to embodying our mission of "business transformed through marketing leadership."

Our Mentor/Protégé program serves as a valuable tool, aiding members in navigating their career paths, addressing challenges, and acquiring tailored knowledge based on their specific needs.

Protégé Requirements:

• SMPS Austin member in good standing. Interested in participating but not a member? Join today! Student discounts are available.
  
• Able to invest time in the mentor/protégé experience
• Interested in growing career
• Willing to take the initiative for self-reflection, goal-setting, and growth
• Working within a marketing, business development, or technical professional role (architecture, engineering, construction) with an emphasis on BD
• There are no age or tenure restrictions
• NEW – College Senior looking to enter the A/E/C industry in a marketing role as advertised in our SMPS CONNECT program.

Mentor Requirements:

• Willing to help facilitate discussions
• Enthusiastic about sharing thoughts and guidance
• Able to honor information shared in confidence
• Able to commit the time needed to help your protégé
• Senior-level marketing/business development/technical professional in the A/E/C industry with at least 10 years of experience. Some exceptions may be made.

How does this program work? 

• Step One: Interested mentors sign up here and protégés sign up here by Friday, January 9, 2026.
• Step Two: The Mentor/Protégé programming team will match protégés with mentors. 
  Payment details will be sent to protégés and must be received before the Kick-Off to be eligible.
• Step Three: The 2026 Mentor/Protégé Program begins!
  
  There will be a Kick-Off Happy Hour on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and the program will conclude with a Wrap-Up Celebration in July (Date TBD).
  
  In addition to your monthly Mentor/Protégé self-guided meetings, SMPS Austin protégés are able to attend at no additional cost educational programing in the Spring 2026, including below. Further details including exact date, time and location will be shared with participants.
  • BD Roundtables
  • In-person and Virtual Lunch & Learns
  • AEC Marketing 101 Bootcamp (participants pay at-cost ticket value to cover cost/food)

Pairing Details

The Mentor/Protégé Team works hard to make a quality match between pairs. Because so many factors are involved, please do not request a specific mentor. Additionally, if the pair needs to be re-matched, please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate. 

Fees

Cost for protegee: $125 (scholarships available)
Cost for Mentor: FREE

Advice for Future Protégés:

• Clarify Your Objectives: Start by asking yourself, "What do I hope to achieve from this mentorship?" Clearly define your goals and openly communicate them to your mentor.
• Focus on Relationship Building: Remember, mentorship is not a recruitment exercise. Instead, leverage this opportunity to pinpoint specific goals and address your concerns while building a meaningful connection. A good mentor can significantly impact your career.
• Take the Lead: As the protégé, you are the guide in this journey. Lead discussions, set the agenda for meetings, and identify goals. Your mentor serves as a facilitator, helping you navigate the roadmap you create.

• Show Respect: Honor your commitment to professional development. Approach the mentorship with dedication, recognizing its role in shaping your career trajectory.

Advice for Future Mentors:

• Embrace Your Role as a Guide: Recognize that your role is more of a guide than a traditional teacher.  
• Empower your Protege: Allow your protege to take the lead, steering their own path. Offer insights from your own experiences and facilitate their self-awareness journey.  
• Respect the Process: Honor the mentoring process and the time commitment it entails. Patience and dedication are the key elements of a successful mentorship. 
• Expand Opportunities: Actively involve your protege in both formal and informal SMPS Austin events and meetings when appropriate. This not only fosters networking but enhances their overall learning experience.

Questions? Reach out to Past President, Brittany Hendrickson, at [email protected].

Testimonials

"For the last several years I have served as a mentor within the SMPS Austin program.  Originally, I thought I was there to share the many lessons learned from my years in the industry; however, I have also learned much from my proteges such as how people and their expectations for success have changed over the years.  It seems we have both grown from this process and I would highly recommend the program to all as we learn from each other and make our profession so much better than when we started."

Eric Churchill
Vice President Central Texas, Adolfson & Peterson Construction

"Being an SMPS Austin mentor is one of my favorite ways to give back and pay it forward. I've been fortunate to have several amazing mentors throughout my career and it's my joy to encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders."

Allie Horne, CPSM
Partner, Meeks Marketing 

“I am so appreciative to have been a part of SMPS Austin’s Mentor/Protégé Program. I was matched with the perfect mentor, Dena Foster. She answered all of my questions, was so encouraging and reminded me that, even though it was a windy path, I am right where I am supposed to be.”

Mora Guerra
Marketing Coordinator, Burgess & Niple, Inc.