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PIA | Coffee with my Mentor

Blog | Date: May 11, 2020

So, you would like to join us in the “Coffee with my Mentor” initiative. This is what you need to know:
Who to contact?
Questions to ask during the interview
Tips and tricks to a successful Zoom video

Who to contact:
I recommend you contact your mentor first and discuss what you would like to discuss during the interview. Once you are both happy to take part you can email me Claire McCusker at claire@cur-a-ted.com. Your welcome to ask me any questions you might have. I am here to help you create a successful video. I will be sending you a link so that you upload your mp4 files when they are complete. Please keep in mind there is a 500MB limit to the file size we can share on PIA social media.

Questions to ask during the interview:
This interview may not be formal but there are some questions we would like you to consider. We would also like there to be some form of structure that is cohesive between all videos. My recommendation is that you arrange the discussion in the following way:
• Create a relaxed atmosphere, make sure you and your mentor are comfortable and can hear and see each other properly before you start. Do a short test run to make sure that the recording is working properly. Grab a cup of coffee and let the recording begin.
• Start the conversation with an introduction of who you and your mentor are.
• Talk about how you are both experiencing this lockdown.
• Ask your mentor how his/her journey started in the profession and who his/her first mentors where.
• Talk about the time that you met your mentor and what you have learnt from them. Discuss projects you worked on together. Use the screen share function to share photos and images if you would like.
• Ask your mentor what they feel their greatest achievements have been so far.
• Talk about how working in South Africa has presented you with opportunities and challenges.
• We would like to end all interviews with one common question: “If there is one piece of advice you could share with someone who is starting their journey now, what would it be?”
Your interview is not limited to the above, feel free to let the conversation flow and discuss what you are passionate about. Interviews should be between 30-45min long.

Tips and tricks to a successful Zoom video
Think of a Zoom Presentation as a face-to-face presentation and conduct yourself as if you are in the same room. In addition, there are some useful tips below to help ensure the presentation goes smoothly for all involved:
• If you haven’t used Zoom before click the link to download Zoom prior to the day of the presentation and familiarise yourself with any features you may need to use on the day – mute/unmute microphone, stop/start video, screenshare etc. There are many videos on youtube – make sure you understand the software.
• Make sure you understand the recording function. Test it a couple of times. Ensure the file saves in a location where you know where it is. Make sure there is ample space on your hard drive.
• Find a quiet space without interruptions / background noise
• Have a plain background – avoid backlight from bright windows
• Have good lighting on your face so you can be seen clearly
• Adjust your camera to be at around eye level if possible – especially take note of the angle of your laptop screen if using the built-in camera. Basically, lift your computer so you will not look down into the computer.
• When recording the interview, ask the other person to record on their side as well. You will have to give them permission to do so.
• Try to avoid talking over / at the same time as other participants.
• Be aware you are on camera and try to avoid doing other tasks, checking emails, looking at your phone etc.
• It is okay to drink something during a Zoom presentation, but eating is not okay.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYGnJ9fM0uY&list=PLJE6knsxIlxwRFJ29a0nIoC-Gth0k26Dg&index=31&t=3s

 

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