Deadline: Ongoing

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the world’s premier Internet standards setting organization. It operates as a large, open international community of network designers, operators, vendor experts, researchers, and other interested technologists. While much of the IETF’s work takes through correspondence, actually attending an event promotes a stronger understanding of the standards process, encourages active involvement in IETF work, and facilitates personal networking with others that have similar technical interests.

Mentors play an important role in helping the Fellow understand how the IETF works and how he or she can participate and contribute. The guidance of a mentor can enhance the experience of the individual selected for the Fellowship programme and help them focus on their particular areas of interest. This relationship is meant to help acclimate the fellow to a meeting that can be very overwhelming. The mentor and the Fellow will exchange emails prior to the meeting, where the mentor can get a better feel to the interests of the fellow and make suggestions on what WGs to attend. During the meeting, the mentor may act in an advisory capacity to answer any questions the fellow may have while at the IETF.

The amount of time needed to be a mentor is low, yet the satisfaction is very high.  By mentoring a fellow, you will not only help them navigate their first IETF meeting (remember yours?) but help them build contacts and and relationships that will allow them to be an active contributor to the IETF process and the continued development of Open Internet Standards.

BENEFIT

• Increase the participation in the IETF by helping a new engineer
• Share your experiences and expertise with someone who shares the same interests
• Learn about new cultures and regional technical challenges
• Know that you’ve made a difference

APPLICATION

Please send your contact details and a brief statement of interest to ietfmentors@isoc.org.

Note that a statement of interest does not ensure an appointment as a mentor for the upcoming IETF as mentors are chosen based on his or her area of expertise in relation to the interests of the Fellows.

OFFICIAL LINK

Internet Society Fellowship Mentor