In this video, you’ll learn more about the value of the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program to students and mentors.
Transcript
Jill Gugino Pante, director, Lerner Career Services Center:
The Lerner Executive Mentoring Program provides such a vast amount of opportunity for students to connect with alumni, connect with community members. It’s a vital part of the Blue Hen Experience because there’s yet another person in your corner, cheering you on, opening doors.
Tausif Zunaid, class of 2020:
When I was recruiting for internships last year, one thing I quickly realized – it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
Lexi Gilbert, class of 2020:
There’s immense value in being paired one on one with a professional who has a lifetime-worth of advice and knowledge that they’re willing to share with a student. Mary Ellen has had years of experience in marketing and that’s where I intend to go with my career, so I really welcomed all advice that she had to share with me.
Mary Ellen Payne, mentor, retired senior VP, Verizon Communications:
She’s fearless. And she’s very smart. She’s very driven. She really knows what she wants in life and it’s really fun to work with someone who’s as goal-oriented as she is.
Jill Gugino Pante:
What we have found through our annual survey is that 98% of our students, because of this program, feel much more prepared to enter the workforce – which to me, is a huge win.
Tausif Zunaid:
Tom, being my mentor, has been fantastic. He’s been helping me go through interview prep and the job market. Whenever I’ve come up with a tactic for an interview or what I want to do, Tom was open and honest with me and was like, “Hey, you shouldn’t do that,” or “Hey, should do that.” So I feel like having a mentor – it’s very open and honest communication.
Lexi Gilbert:
One time we talked through whether we thought an internship was right for me. Also, I would seek networking advice or even look for input on how to effectively frame my past experience on my resume. So I really value all advice that Mary Ellen has to share.
Mary Ellen Payne:
I think there’s lots of great opportunities here at the University that you can give back to. And I chose mentoring because it’s something you can actually see the results of immediately. And so my philanthropy is directed that way because I want to see that program grow.
Jill Gugino Pante:
In the past three years the program went from about 40 pairings to now, where we’re at is about 500 pairings. If we had more engagement, more philanthropic support – I would love to be able to provide a mentor for every single Lerner student. Being a part of this program – whether being a mentor or providing funding for it – really makes you part of a community that is going to help prepare these future business leaders.