FEMBAs at Mihaylo College of Business on the Value of Mentorship
Mihaylo College of Business at California State, Fullerton offers a unique opportunity to newly-admitted FEMBAs – the chance to collaborate with peers through its Working Professionals Mentor Program (WPMP).
The one-on-one relationship that develops shapes each students’ experience and provides a high level of interaction and experiential learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
Program participants can meet with mentors one to two hours per week and receive advice on the FEMBA program, work-life-school balance, as well as guidance on adjusting to school after what is often extensive career experience.
One mentee, Abhijeet Shegokar, had as his goal the answer to questions that students of all levels tend to pose: ‘what are employers really seeking?’ and, ‘what is my best strategy in finding an internship’? Shegokar, who is from India, is studying decision sciences and information systems at Mihaylo.
He described his mentorship experience in a recent interview: “[My mentor guided] me through my resume and cover letters, offering strategies that he had applied himself. My communication skills have increased vastly thanks to the mentor program … I’ve made positive connections with people from various backgrounds.”
Zoe Sullivan, a graduate career adviser, oversees the WPMP. With its beginning during the fall 2015 semester, the program has been gathering momentum throughout the 2015-2016 year. Of the first session, Sullivan remarked,
“Mentors and mentees loved it and the added benefit was that they were able to network across a broad spectrum of business fields… [the program is] one more way to strengthen the ‘Mihaylo experience,’ to provide students — in addition to solid academics, research and networking opportunities — a one-on-one, more personal and professional experience and connection”.
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
