- BECOME A MENTOR
Become a Mentor
"Mentors make a difference."
Portland-area business professionals are invited to participate in the PSU/SBA Mentor Program.
The PSU/SBA Mentor Program is designed to provide an opportunity for students to gain clarity on their career goals, polish up their workplace savvy, and develop their own business network through a mentor relationship with a business professional.
Mentors serve multiple roles for a student - friend, coach, colleague, and cheerleader. The opportunity to help make a positive difference in a student's professional life even before they start their careers can be very rewarding. With the guidance and support of a mentor, students are given opportunities to observe the work environment, learn about the range of career opportunities available within a profession or company, develop confidence in interacting with business professionals, and are often more motivated to apply themselves in class.
The Mentor Relationship
Mentors are asked to meet six times during the course of the program, but many mentors find additional ways to provide their student with exposure to a variety of experiences, including:
- Job shadow opportunities
- Attendance at professional, board, staff, and clients meetings
- Review job descriptions in the student's area of interest
- Conduct mock interviews
- Resume and cover letter critiques
- Create informational interview opportunities with other professionals
- Invitations to attend professional gatherings
- Site tours
A Win-Win
The program isn't just a win for students - mentors gain a great deal, too.
- Develop coaching and feedback skills
- Chance to screen potential employees
- Opportunity to "give back"
- Increased pride in your career
- Stay connected with new developments
- Gain satisfaction by helping
The program runs from October-June. If you're considering becoming a mentor and would like to receive more information about the program, send your name, title, company and mailing address to franm@sba.pdx.edu.
Business professionals representing a variety of fields and industries have volunteered to serve as mentors to SBA students. We'd like to thank all our mentors.
Special Opportunities for Professional Organizations
The PSU/SBA Mentor Program provides rewarding professional development opportunities for members of local professional organizations. By working with a business student, members can help advance their profession through the development of new talent. By establishing partnerships with the Mentor Program, local organizations can also help to strengthen student chapters.
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