MBA Mentorship Program

Students at the University of Kansas School of Business have a new tool for professional development with the school's new business student mentorship program. The program, which kicks off this month, will pair alumni and other university supporters with current students in an effort to provide MBA students career advice and guidance as they prepare for life after college.

The program will pair mentors and mentees based on shared interests, career history and the mentee's professional aspirations. Mentors will become an invaluable resource to students as they search for jobs and transition into the workforce. Mentors will be encouraged to engage in regular communication and an annual face-to-face meeting with their mentees.

For alumni and university supporters interested in becoming a mentor, register here.

Program Objectives

The student will be able to:

Understand how to be successful in their careers, and improve their professionals skills and competencies
Explore and define their career goals including career path, and industry preferences
Develop and maintain beneficial professional work relationships
Seek information, advice, and support through their professional networking contacts
Gain the confidence to seek other mentor relationships throughout their career

Student Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the mentors that participate in the program?
The mentors are senior level executives representing diverse functions, companies and industries throughout the U.S.

What is the time commitment?
First year students, whose mentor is in-state, will attend an on-site visit (generally 2 -3 hours). In preparation for the visit, it is strongly suggested that students perform company/industry research. For second year students, the time commitment can vary widely. Generally the mentor and mentee will meet three to four times throughout the academic year. For first years whose companies are not located in Kansas, it is expected that the mentee contact the mentor via phone to set up a time an introductory interview. The interview is designed for you to learn about your mentor and his/her organization. Also, during this interview it is expected that the both parties agree on expectations from the relationship as well. Mentees will be expected to be in contact with their mentor at least once a semester.

What if personality or career interests clash?
In rare cases where students and mentors are not compatible, meetings may be terminated after a couple of sessions. At this point the committe with try to rematch the two parties.

Is the Mentor Program designed to get the student a job?
The Mentor Program is not an employment finding opportunity. It is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to gain real world exposure to senior level executives with experience in industries and functions that they have expressed interest in.

Mentor Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the students that participate in the program?
The students are from the KU full-time MBA program and maybe in their first or second year.

What is the time commitment?
First year students, whose mentor is in-state, will attend an on-site visit (generally 2 -3 hours The agenda of the visit is up to you, but it may include a tour of the company, meeting with other company executives, sitting in on a meeting, and discussion of career paths, For second year students, the time commitment can vary widely. Generally you will meet 3 to 4 times throughout the academic year. If you are not located in the Kansas the mentee will contact you via phone to set up a time for an introductory interview. The interview is designed for the mentee to learn about you mentor and your organization. Also, it is at this time that both parties agree on expectations from the relationship as well. Mentees will be expected to be in contact with their mentor at least once a semester.

What if personality or career interests clash?
In rare cases where students and mentors are not compatible, meetings may be terminated after a couple of sessions.

Is the Mentor Program designed to get the student a job?
The Mentor Program is not an employment finding opportunity. It is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to gain real world exposure to senior level executives with experience in industries and functions that they have expressed interest in.

If I cannot attend the Mentor Reception in the fall, can I still participate in the program?
You can still participate. We recognize you have many demands on your time, but we strongly encourage you attend if possible since it will introduce you to students participating in the program.