MENTOR PROGRAM

MBA › MENTOR PROGRAM

In today’s increasingly competitive environment, Florida Southern College is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of its students by providing them with experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Through the MBA Mentor Program, students receive the high-quality education and knowledge they need to succeed in business.

This program is designed to provide interested students the opportunity to learn about the way business is practiced today. This is accomplished with the guidance of successful and experienced local professionals representing students’ fields of interest.

The relationship between the mentor and mentee is based upon trust and mutual respect and consideration for the other person’s time, talents, and potential. Both parties benefit personally and professionally from a good relationship where they can speak to each other in an open and constructively honest forum.

The goal of the program is for someone with professional experience to provide support, encouragement, and guidance to an MBA student; to shape and influence the next generation of business leaders; and to maintain positive relationships between the business community and Florida Southern College.

The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs and fit within the schedules of the participants. A mentor and mentee should work together to define the scope of their relationship. For instance, some participants may determine it is best to talk on a regular basis, while others may decide more informal contact is better. The main goal is to create a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties. The mentor and mentee determine the frequency of meetings, means of communication, mentoring activities, appropriate/inappropriate boundaries (time not to call, etc.), as well as the mentee’s goal for the relationship.

Why you should be an MBA mentor:

• To develop a relationship with a student while contributing to his/her professional and personal development;
• To reflect upon your own career by sharing experience and knowledge with a mentee who is interested in your field;
• To gain personal satisfaction from making a difference in the life of a motivated and ambitious MBA student.

If you enjoy helping others; understand your industry, your organization, and its culture; are willing to spend time with a student to provide appropriate guidance and feedback; and are open-minded and encouraging, then you are the right person to become a mentor.

Why should a Florida Southern MBA student have a mentor?

Having a mentor will help you learn about an industry and/or organization by talking to a professional within that group; gain insight into the day-to-day work of a professional in a field of interest; explore specific corporate career paths with someone in the work force; have a confidante you can talk with; receive guidance, advice, and encouragement on balancing work and family; gain access to networking opportunities through events planned by mentees and mentors; and understand the relevance of academic studies to the business world.

Mentors’ and Mentees’ roles and responsibilities

The Mentor should be willing to:

• Share information about him/herself and experiences that can assist the student as they explore the business world;
• Share industry expertise and professional resources (such as search firms, Web sites, professional meetings for networking) to help the mentee become more knowledgeable in his or her chosen area;
• Diligently communicate changes in availability and the need to reschedule mentoring sessions;
• Assist or advise the mentee in other aspects of professional development;
• Offer advice when necessary.

As a mentor, you also should share your knowledge about education, specific jobs, career paths, and corporate cultures; honestly describe the steps taken in your career; create an open and comfortable environment; clearly communicate with the mentee; and be aware of opportunities the mentee should explore and encourage him/her to explore them.

The Mentee should be willing to:

• Initiate contact with the designated mentor;
• Learn about specific jobs, career paths, corporate cultures, and industries;
• Receive advice related to your career path;
• Accept feedback without becoming defensive;
• Communicate with your mentor on a regular basis;
• Be realistic about the expectations of your mentor, understand your mentor, and plan and set an agenda for each meeting;
• Explore the opportunities presented by your mentor;
• Build trust and respect by being open and honest, listening actively to understand, talking through a situation, and asking clarifying questions;
• Respect the mentor’s trust and maintain confidentiality in all matters disclosed during mentoring sessions;
• Prepare questions prior to meetings to maximize use of the mentor’s time.

Be considerate of the fact that mentors are busy professionals who are donating valuable time. Understand that the mentor’s schedule may prevent him/her from being available at the time or in the manner they desire, and you should proactively suggest ways in which he/she can benefit from the relationship.

To enhance your relationship with your mentor, you should keep appointments with your mentor and be punctual; invite your mentor to campus for open executive lectures and other events; openly receive feedback from your mentor without becoming defensive; understand that trust and confidentiality is a MUST; and contact your mentor in the manner that the two of you establish collectively.