Investing in Relationships

Reflections From Our Mentoring Program 

 

 

Published: May 12, 2023

At Fehr & Peers, we’re all about investing in our people. And for our people, it’s about investing in one another. Our robust Career Development Program helps each team member chart their own path to professional success. It offers personalized coaching and mentoring at every stage of the journey, from early career to executive level. Our One-On-One Formal Mentoring Program is a highly valued component of the program. For almost two decades, it’s been providing one-year partnerships between senior leaders and staff members, helping them achieve their goals and develop their careers.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our program is tailored to everyone’s needs, no matter their gender, career path, area of interest, or technical expertise. Our leaders are committed and devoted to mentoring and coaching our staff, investing their time and effort to make sure everyone has the support they need to grow. Pairings meet for hours each month, shadow each other, and build relationships. Here are reflections from some of our latest program participants.

A mentee and mentor meet up.
Mentor and mentee's travelling for a meet-up.

My experience was nothing short of amazing. Chris and I met every other week to expand my leadership skills and strategize on ways to elevate the marketing practices across our firm. We also took the time to draft the next steps in my career and his coaching and mentorship have been instrumental in preparing me for a new role in Corporate Communications starting this fall.

Allee Nesbitt

Allee Nesbitt

Mentee

Senior Marketing Coordinator |
Denver, CO

Chris Breiland

Chris Breiland

Mentor

Director of Research and Development | Seattle, WA

I really enjoyed spending quality time getting to know and learn from my mentor over the past year. Jeremy provided a valuable external perspective and helped me think through both specific situations and more strategic and long-term areas I can improve on. One of the most valuable things Jeremy taught me is to dig deeper to understand not only what is said by a coworker or client, but also their unspoken perspective and motivation behind their requests.

Daniel Dye

Daniel Dye

Mentee

Associate Engineer | Seattle, WA

This year marks 20 years with the mentoring program for me! Despite that being quite some time ago, I still remember the freedom my mentor gave me to explore all kinds of questions about life as a consultant, as a new dad, and as someone interested in making a lasting positive affect in the communities I was getting to serve. This year with Daniel brought me right back to that point as we explored many of those same questions in the context of his newly growing family, and it was a wonderful reminder of the benefits we both get and give to each other across generations.

Jeremy Klop

Jeremy Klop

Mentor

Director of Strategy | Los Angeles, CA

Participating with Katie Miller was a highlight of my year. I received great advice and support for my long-term career development, learned about the company, and gained confidence. Other mentors in the program, such as Chris, Anna, and Jess, also gave me helpful insights. Above all, I feel really lucky to have had Katie as my mentor. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for everything I learned.

Michelle Chung

Michelle Chung

Mentee

Senior Technician | San Jose, CA

Katie Miller

Katie Miller

Mentor

President of Left Lane Advisors |
Walnut Creek, CA

The program was a unique and invaluable opportunity to work closely with Chris – Fehr & Peers’ CEO and someone with a wide range of experience and skills. Bringing his companywide perspective to my office- and market-specific opportunities helped me think more strategically about my day-to-day. The fact that our CEO was willing to participate is a credit to Chris as a leader and Fehr & Peers as a company.

Dan Cawley

Dan Cawley

Mentee

Associate | Salt Lake City, UT

Chris Mitchell

Chris Mitchell

Mentor

CEO | Walnut Creek, CA

This was an incredible opportunity over the past year. I developed a mentor and friend through the program, and now have a sounding board and champion outside my local office for years to come.

Emily Alice

Emily Alice

Mentee

Associate | Seattle, WA

Sarah Brandenberg

Sarah Brandenberg

Mentor

Regional Principal-in-Charge | Los Angeles, CA