October 18 marks National Disability Mentoring Day and what better way to celebrate than to become a mentor! If you’ve ever wanted to be a mentor and make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, the Workforce Navigators Mentorship Program could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.
Workforce Navigators (WFN) is Salesforce’s workforce development program for Trailblazers with disabilities and has openings for Salesforce employees interested in mentoring WFN training candidates. This 12-week training program offers several levels of support, including virtual and accessible training for Salesforce coursework, scholarships for incoming students, and a mentoring program enabled by Salesforce employee volunteers.
Your Role as a Mentor
Whether you have a disability or not, you are welcome to serve as a mentor. In this role, you will support your mentee by coaching in the areas of interview skills, resume building, and career guidance. The experience will also offer you new perspectives and insight into inclusivity at Salesforce while providing an opportunity for self-reflection.
Here are your commitments as a mentor:
- Meet with your assigned mentee at least twice a month from September through November, 2023 (in person, by phone, or video chat).
- Work together to determine short and long-term goals and if any accommodations of accessibility are needed.
- Provide overall guidance and coaching as your mentee advances through the program.
Pay It Forward
Greg Hurst, Senior Manager of Solution Consulting at Salesforce, just completed his role as a Mentor. “This was a program that spoke a lot to my own experience 7-plus years ago,” said Greg. “So it felt like a great opportunity to pay things forward.”
Due to his disability, Greg began studying Salesforce through Trailhead in 2015. Previously, he held a position that required a lot of mobility and travel to construction sites, and he realized he needed to make a change.
“I received my Salesforce Administrator Certification and transitioned to a Salesforce partner. Then, in 2019, I moved to Salesforce itself, and now help our customers implement our products. This [mentorship] program was an opportunity to take my own experiences and share them with people in similar situations.”
Workforce Navigators
Launched by the Office of Accessibility in 2020, the Workforce Navigators program supports and enables programs that train professionals with disabilities, ensuring they are equipped with in-demand Salesforce skills and certifications. A key feature of the training includes a supplemental curriculum for users of assistive technology, with support for accommodation requests.
Erin Gullage, a consultant for the Cambridge Community Center, received her Salesforce Associate certification in May and is now preparing to take the Salesforce Administrator exam. “Having Greg as my mentor while I transition to a new career is invaluable,” says Erin. “The Workforce Navigators Mentorship program matched me with the smartest, nicest, and best giver of career advice.”
A Win-Win For All
At Salesforce, giving back is one of our most recognized values. You’re eligible to take up to 7 days (56 hours) of paid VTO each year to support a local or global community.
“I found it incredibly exciting to have had an opportunity to directly shape someone’s career and hopefully help them to land an amazing job,” reflects Greg. It’s one thing to help someone grow into their existing role, but wholly another to guide them into a new industry and environment.”
