Professional Planning Mentorship Program

The Emerging Planning Professional Committee (EPP Committee) is pleased to announce the launch of the Professional Planning Mentorship Program. This initiative pairs interested planners as mentors and mentees to support professional development across career stages.

The program is open to all EPP members and Colorado APA members. Its goal is to provide a flexible framework for experienced planning professionals to share insights, guidance, and technical knowledge with those at the early-to-mid stages of their careers. Mentor–mentee pairs will define their own goals, meeting schedules, and activities based on mutual interests and availability.*

How to Participate

To participate, please submit an application using the link below. Mentor–mentee pairings will be made on a first-come, first-served rolling basis.

Please note: EPP’s role is limited to pairing mentors and mentees. Both parties are responsible for scheduling meetings and coordinating their involvement. There is no formal check-in or reporting process at this time.

Mentors

Mentors are planning professionals with more than five years of experience who are interested in supporting and advising those newer to the profession.

Eligibility and Expectations

• Minimum of 5 years of professional planning experience in any planning discipline
• Each mentor will initially be paired with one mentee
• If additional mentors are needed, participants may be asked if they are willing to mentor more than one individual
• Active Colorado APA membership is required

Mentees

Mentees include students and early-career professionals seeking guidance, professional insight, and career development support.

Eligibility

• Students or professionals with less than 5 years of planning experience in any planning discipline
• Placement with a mentor is not guaranteed
• Active Colorado APA membership is required

Suggested Mentor–Mentee Activities

Mentor–mentee pairs are encouraged to tailor their engagement, which may include:

• Monthly Coffee Chats (Virtual or In-Person): Informal, recurring check-ins to discuss career goals, current projects, workplace challenges, or professional growth in a low-pressure setting.
• Joint Attendance at a Public Meeting: Attend a planning commission, city council, community workshop, or public open house together to discuss meeting dynamics, staff roles, political context, and best practices for public engagement.
• Résumé and Portfolio Review: Collaborative review of résumés, cover letters, and planning portfolios, with feedback focused on clarity, relevance, presentation, and how to tailor materials for different roles or agencies.
• Mock Interviews: Practice interview sessions that simulate real hiring scenarios, including common planning interview questions, behavioral responses, and feedback on communication style and confidence.
• Project or Case Study Walkthrough: The mentor walks through a past or current planning project (e.g., comprehensive plan update, rezoning, corridor plan), explaining the process, challenges, stakeholder dynamics, and lessons learned.
• Technical Skill Sharing Session: A targeted session where the mentor shares practical knowledge on a specific skill, such as staff reports, development review, public presentation techniques, GIS basics, or zoning code interpretation.
• Professional Development and Certification Guidance: Conversations about AICP preparation, continuing education strategies, conference participation, committee involvement, or other opportunities to build credentials and professional visibility.

Shadowing or Day-in-the-Life Discussion
Where feasible, a discussion (or limited shadowing opportunity) that gives the mentee insight into the mentor’s typical workday, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

Submit the Professional Planning Mentorship Program Form Here

If you have questions about the program, please contact Alex O’Connell or Adam Rankin at eppcommittee@gmail.com.