For a young professional, finding a mentor can play a key role in cultivating a successful career. Likewise, being a mentor to someone just starting out in his or her career can help more experienced managers develop their leadership skills and connect to the younger generation.

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals seeks to foster those connections through its Mentorship Program, which matches students and young professionals with experienced supply chain professionals. Developed by CSCMP's Young Professionals Committee, the program helps create connections between future and current supply chain leaders.

Interested individuals can fill out an application on CSCMP's website. Applications will be accepted until June 30. Applicants who are accepted for the program will then be paired with older professionals based on their industry, skill sets, career focus, geography, and any other preferences.

CSCMP will provide assistance for helping the pair cultivate a reciprocal learning environment. Mentors and mentees are expected to interact at least once month and participate in quarterly "town hall" calls with all mentor-mentee pairings. In addition, the Council encourages pairs to meet in person for an orientation at the annual conference in Orlando, Florida, on September 26.

Submitting an application does not mean that you have been accepted into the program. CSCMP is only able to accept a limited number of participants in order to ensure quality delivery of the program.