Coffee Catch-up
Our Programme
Expand your Network
Introduction
The Young Energy Professionals Network established a networking programme in 2018. The programme is designed to provide informal opportunities for young energy professionals to connect with their senior leaders in the industry. YEPN enables this by facilitating a networking opportunity via randomly matched bi-monthly meetings (e.g. over coffee or via Skype/MS Teams).
Via YEPN Coffee Catch-up we hope to provide a platform for knowledge transfer from senior members of the industry to those seeking to develop their knowledge and opportunity to increase your professional network.
Why should I sign up to the YEPN Coffee Catch-up?
By signing up as a Mentor or a Mentee, you will be given opportunities to broaden your understanding of the industry by building a network of contacts across the sector. Mentors bring a view of the past, sharing lessons learned from previous experiences, while mentees bring a fresh new perspective.
What our existing members have to say about the Coffee Catch-up?
Our members highly rate their experience with the YEPN Coffee Catch-up with an average rating of 4 out of 5.
This what some of our members have to say about their experience…
Great programme, I love being able to just chat to so many amazing people from around the energy industry.
The programme is amazing! Very glad for being part of it. I really appreciate the way I can connect with professionals in the same field. As a Graduate, I feel lucky to do good connections.
How does it Work?
Look forward to Coffee Catch-ups
What to expect
Every two months, mentors and mentees get the chance to meet someone new. Post-meeting, it’s up to each mentor and mentee if they want to catch up again or develop the relationship into more of a traditional mentoring approach. Whether you do keep up contact or not, you can look forward to another coffee with someone different at next round of matching.
All you need to do is set aside 30-45 mins once every two months, and over time, watch your networks of professional contacts grow.
Step by Step Guide
- Every second month we will randomly match mentors and mentees
- We will introduce the matched mentor and mentee via email, with both mentor and mentee contact details provided
- Mentees are expected to use those contact details to set up a time that suits both parties
- The matches go about meeting, in person or via video call, in their own time
- Post-meeting, it is up to both parties if they want to meet again in the future. There is no expectation of an ongoing commitment to any one match you have had; there are no strings attached!
How to Join
Sign up as a mentor or mentee or both
There is no strict criteria around age or experience nor is there an expectation of financial contribution to the Network, at this stage. We are simply looking for professionals in the earlier stages of their career (rough guide of 0-10 years’ experience) who have an interest in learning and sharing more about the energy sector.
We have a great range of industry leaders who are mentors and we are also always keen for more mentors, young and old, to help develop our young talent.
You can sign up as Mentor or Mentee or Both using the link below and we will be in touch to set you up with your first Coffee Catch-up.
If you have any questions about the programme or would like to pause your involvement then refer to FAQ section or you can contact us at [email protected]
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to stop or need to pause my involvement?
Easy – just let us know by emailing [email protected]
What happens if I don't hear from my mentee?
Feel free to email us or your mentee directly yourself.
It's my first match as part of the YEPN Coffee Catch-Up, what should I expect?
Below we have provided an illustration of how your catch-up is meant to work:
Kate signs up looking to meet mentors in the energy sector. Sam signs up as a mentor to contribute to the energy sector.
In September, Kate and Sam are matched to meet. Kate emails Sam to ask when he is free, and they agree to meet for coffee on Monday the 14th.
Kate and Sam catch up and have a great chat about their respective roles, how they’ve got to be where they are today, the weather, current challenges facing the sector… then it’s time to get back to work. They agree to catch up again sometime in the future, each knowing it will be up to them to make it happen at some later date.
Is it okay for me to be matched with a competing firm?
Yes, provided you are both comfortable to meet, keeping in mind Commerce Act obligations. You may want to acknowledge any potential conflicts or topics you can’t discuss with your match and decide if you want to go ahead and meet. It might be a good idea to talk to your employer about your involvement in the programme if you have any concerns of this sort.
Will I be matched every two months?
We have more mentees than mentors in both Auckland and Wellington. Rather than issuing a bye, we will match mentees together if not matched with a mentor that round. We do this as we see value in connecting people who share passion for energy at any level of their career. If two mentees are matched together then you will very likely be matched with a mentor in the following round of matching.