MICA launched its mentor scheme to help develop auto communicators by linking them with experienced senior association members.
The programme was piloted with MICA-sponsored 2022 Young PR Professional of the Year award winner Elizabeth Waddup, presented with her prize package at the Guild of Motoring Writers’ dinner at the end of last year.
The accolade included MICA’s first six months of mentoring for Elizabeth, Honda Motor Europe’s automobile PR and events manager.
MICA committee member Roger Ormisher, who is PR and Communications vice president for McLaren in The Americas based in Utah, led the partnership which both Roger as mentor and Elizabeth as mentee report on below.
Other MICA members interested in around half a dozen 60-minute mentor sessions with a communications director from the association’s network should email info@mica.org.uk. The programme’s overview and guidelines are at Mentees Get Career Advantage From Mica Director Network – MICA
Elizabeth Waddup, Honda Motor Europe’s automobile PR and events manager, said:
“I am very grateful to have taken part in the six-month MICA mentorship programme. As a young professional in the earlier stage of my career, the opportunity for 1:1 time with a successful and experienced mentor has been invaluable. The different manufacturer and geographical perspectives have provided us with lots to deliberate and consider and it has encouraged us both to think beyond our everyday routine.
“Discussion has been honest and thought provoking and I believe it has been beneficial for both me and my mentor. We have explored topics that range from day-to-day business practices to how we feel the automotive industry has changed and continues to change, and our role as communications professionals within that.
“I will take away so much from this MICA mentorship and I feel privileged to have built a great working relationship with someone who I know I can rely and call upon on in the future for advice and inspiration.”
Roger Ormisher, PR and Communications vice president for McLaren in The Americas, said:
“I truly found this to be a rewarding and insightful mentorship. We discussed a wide variety of topics over the MICA mentoring program, and our experience on two different continents enabled us to exchange ideas, thoughts and working practices in communications disciplines including crisis communications, the value of media measurement, product launches, motor shows and engagement with social media and influencers – to name just a few of the topics covered.
“Our different geographical and career perspectives enhanced the ability to learn from each other even more, and I leave the program more enriched than before – and with a new colleague to bounce ideas off in the future.”