Black School of Business Student Mentoring Program

Mentor with student

The Black School of Business offers CONNECT, a professional mentoring program that pairs a career professional with a student. The program helps students gain exposure to the professional world, prepare for job interviews, work on résumés and cover letters, understand the importance of networking, establish career goals, and develop interviewing skills.

The CONNECT program is offered to all students in residential Management 301 classes. Residential business students may also request a mentor at any time during their college careers, regardless of their semester standing.

Why Students Benefit from Mentorship

Research shows that mentoring can provide the following benefits:

  • improved job placement rates after college
  • increased student retention, with more students finishing college
  • a richer college experience
  • opportunities for alumni to share their experiences

Mentors and mentees move through the CONNECT program at their own pace. The program allows students to explore potential careers and prepare for life after graduation.

Possible Topics or Activities for Mentoring

Mentoring

Mentors and mentees may discuss or work on the following topics and activities:

  • developing a personal brand
  • creating a LinkedIn profile
  • developing an elevator pitch
  • learning to network
  • practicing interviewing skills
  • becoming an effective team member
  • working effectively with people from different backgrounds
  • becoming a leader
  • planning for the future
  • keeping up with technology and certifications

Mentee Responsibilities

Mentees are expected to:

  • commit to the duration of the program (one semester)
  • maintain regular contact with their mentors, at least five times during the semester
  • discuss goals and expectations openly
  • come prepared to meetings
  • ask questions
  • act professionally
  • complete required reports to receive credit for MGMT 301
  • follow through on commitments

Mentor Responsibilities

Mentors are expected to:

  • provide career direction and insight
  • provide feedback on résumés and interviewing techniques
  • coach students in areas for improvement

Availability

Mentors and mentees should meet the following availability expectations:

  • be in contact at least five times during the semester
  • commit to at least one semester, with the option to extend the mentorship

How to Apply to the CONNECT Program

Students in a residential Management 301 class (taught at Behrend) will have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor as part of the class. Any residential business student may apply to the program by emailing Dr. Severine Patanakul.

Interested in Being a Mentor?

If you are a professional working in a business field and are interested in mentoring a student, email Dr. Severine Patanakul.