Competitive Intelligence Mentorship

Strengthen your CI career, deepen your expertise, and connect with the brightest minds in competitive intelligence

Apply to Join

Our Focus

The Council of CI Fellows Mentorship Program creates meaningful relationships that accelerate careers, build advanced capabilities, and strengthen the competitive intelligence community. Through personalized mentoring, peer learning, and strategic skill development, we're raising the standard of CI practice worldwide.

What You’ll Gain

  • Accelerate Your Career

    → Navigate CI career paths from analyst to strategic advisor

    → Prepare for promotions and role transitions

    → Build leadership capabilities and executive presence

  • Deepen CI Expertise

    → Master market analysis, scenario planning, and strategic foresight

    → Learn from leaders who've operated in complex industries and M&A contexts

    → Develop storytelling skills that influence strategy decisions

  • Expand Your Network

    → Connect with seasoned CI professionals across industries and geographies

    → Access a community that shares methods, tools, and lessons learned

    → Build relationships that extend beyond the program

How The Program Works

    • 1-2 hours per month for one-on-one and group mentoring sessions

    • 60-90 minutes each quarter for Speed Mentoring events

    • 12-month program running throughout 2026

  • Monthly 45-60 minute sessions focused on your specific goals, challenges, and development priorities. Your mentor provides personalized feedback, perspective, and strategic guidance.

    Monthly • Personalized

  • Monthly peer learning sessions where 3-4 mentees work with one mentor. Share experiences, tackle common challenges, and learn from diverse perspectives in a collaborative setting.

    Monthly • Collaborative

  • Quarterly networking events with 10-15 minute rotations. Meet multiple mentors, gather diverse insights, and expand your professional network across the CI community.

    Quarterly • High-Energy

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your mentor serves as a guide, thought partner, and sounding board. They will:

    • Help you clarify goals and identify development priorities

    • Share relevant experiences and lessons learned from their CI career

    • Offer feedback, encouragement, and constructive challenge

    • Make strategic introductions to people, communities, and resources

    • Provide perspective on navigating complex organizational dynamics

    • Model professional, inclusive, and ethical CI practice

    Note: Mentors are not line managers, therapists, or job placement services. They provide guidance while you maintain ownership of your career decisions.

  • Success in the program requires active ownership of your development. You'll be expected to:

    • Drive the relationship: Schedule meetings, send agendas in advance, and follow up on action items

    • Come prepared: Bring specific goals, questions, and updates to each session

    • Be open: Receive feedback with curiosity and consider different perspectives

    • Take action: Experiment with new approaches between sessions and report back on progress

    • Respect time: Be punctual, communicate early if schedules change, and express appreciation

    • Maintain confidentiality: Honor the trust placed in mentoring relationships

    In your first session, you'll work with your mentor to define 2-3 concrete goals and establish communication norms for the year.

  • We use a thoughtful matching process to pair mentees with mentors who can best support their development:

    • Goals alignment: Your career objectives and development priorities guide the match

    • Skills and experience: Mentors are matched based on relevant expertise in your areas of growth

    • Context and logistics: We consider function, industry, seniority, time zones, and availability

    • Mentoring style: Communication preferences and mentoring philosophy inform fit

    • Diversity and inclusion: We create opportunities for representation and psychological safety

    After the first 1-2 months, we check in to ensure matches are working well. If adjustments are needed, we provide a clear path to rematch.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • This program is offered at no cost. Our goal is to grow the Global CI Community and share our knowledge with others.

Ready to Accelerate Your CI Career?

Join fellow competitive intelligence professionals who are committed to excellence, ethical practice, and continuous growth.

Apply For Mentee Program

Questions? Get in touch.