Black School of Business Student Mentoring Program

Mentor with student

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

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

Why Students Benefit from Mentorship

Research shows that a mentoring opportunity can provide:

  • improved job placement rates after college
  • increased student retention—more students finish college
  • a richer college experience for students
  • opportunities for alumni to share their experience

Mentors and mentees will move through the CONNECT program at their own pace. It will allow students to explore a potential career and prepare for life after graduation. 

Possible Topics or Activities for Mentoring

Mentoring
  • Create a personal brand
  • Create a LinkedIn profile
  • Work on your elevator pitch
  • Learn to network
  • Practice your interviewing skills
  • Become an effective team member
  • Inclusion and equity: Work better together
  • Become a leader
  • Plan for the future
  • Keep up with technology and certifications

Mentee's Responsibilities

  • Commit to the duration of the program (1 semester)
  • Be in regular contact with the mentor (at least 5 times over the semester)
  • Openly discuss goals and expectations
  • Come prepared to meetings
  • Ask questions
  • Act in a professional manner
  • Complete required reports to receive credits for MGMT 301
  • Follow through as required

Mentor's Responsibilities

  • Provide career direction and insight
  • Provide feedback on résumés and interviewing techniques
  • Coach students in areas of improvement

Availability

  • Be in contact at least five times over the semester
  • The minimum requirement is one semester; some mentorships extend beyond one semester

How to Apply to the CONNECT Program

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

Interested in Being a Mentor?

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