Giving back has so many benefits. Looking for a way to do it? Let me propose that you share your knowledge and experience by mentoring.
That’s one of the ways I’m giving back – by participating in the University of San Francisco’s Alumni Mentor Program – “Change the World from Here.”
I met my mentee at the program kickoff dinner a couple of weeks ago. There were 250 mentors (USF alumni) and 250 mentees (students and recent graduates) who had been previously matched up based on their application forms and preferences.
The goal of the program is to give mentees the opportunity to expand their networks; explore different career paths, companies and industries; and get advice on how to accomplish their career goals.
Think about it. Did you have a mentor when you were in college? Was there someone other than a parent, counselor or friend who could give real-world advice about the career path you’d chosen or what factors outside of the academics (e.g., soft skills) would help you succeed?
I know I didn’t.
So I am thrilled to be in a position to share my experience, to let my mentee know that mistakes are OK as long as you learn from them, and to serve as a sounding board in navigating the sometimes scary path from college student to professional.
And what I’m finding so far is that although I’ve described it as “giving back” what I’m getting in return is so much more.
If your university has an alumni mentoring program, I highly recommend you consider getting involved. Or maybe you have a mentoring program at work.
It’s a great way to change the world, one person at a time.
Till next time,
Karen
