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Why be a mentor?
- Develop a relationship with a student while contributing to his / her professional and personal development.
- Reflect upon your own career by sharing experience and knowledge with a current student who is interested in your field.
- Gain personal satisfaction from making a difference in the life of a motivated and ambitious MBA student.
- Increase the value of a Tennessee MBA degree by personally investing in future alumni today.
- Have fun!
What makes a good mentor?
- Respects the student as a valuable but inexperienced colleague.
- Is committed to taking the time to provide guidance on a wide range of professional topics.
- Realizes that students have different strengths and needs and adapts accordingly.
- Encourages the student through the low spots encountered in any academic program lasting several years.
- Is proactive and does not wait for the student to contact him / her but provides opportunities for contact.
- Finds ways to ensure that the student is ready to enter the profession upon graduation.
Who would be a good mentor?
Mentors, while often very different in personality or management style, have several characteristics in common. A good mentor:
- Is an established employee.
- Understands the industry, organization, and its culture.
- Is available and willing to spend time with the student, giving appropriate guidance and feedback.
- Enjoys helping others.
- Is open-minded, flexible, empathetic, and encouraging.
- Stimulates the student's thinking and reflection.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Create an open and comfortable environment.
- Clearly communicate your expectations of the student.
- Be an active listener to your student.
- Provide input into the types of activities within the university and through external trade associations that the student should become involved with.
- Assist in initiating a process of networking for the student.
- Share your knowledge about education, specific jobs, career paths, corporate cultures, and industries.
- Describe honestly for your student the steps you have taken in your career. What has been successful for you and what would you have done differently?
- Be aware of opportunities that your student should explore and encourage him / her to explore them.
How to sign up
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, simply fill out this short form and you will be added to our book of mentor profiles. From this book, students will be able to work with a staff member to select a mentor. Then the MBA Program Office will contact you to provide you with the student’s resume and more information on the mentor program. If you feel that you are not a good match for this student or are unable to act as a mentor due to other commitments, you will be able to communicate this information through the MBA Office. Once you have confirmed your availability, the student will initiate contact with you.
Sign up to be a mentor here
Suggested activities for mentors and students.
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