Coggin Executive Mentor Program

About the Coggin Executive Mentor Program

This program is designed to enhance the classroom experience by linking students with leading executives for one-on-one mentoring. Mentors share career advice and valuable insight into the transition from college to work. Students build career networks and develop skills to become better professionals and leaders.

Program Goals

Give Coggin students real-world access to business practices through meaningful and personalized interactions with business professionals
Equip students with tools and insight to make informed and ethical career decisions
Confirm or challenge the student's chosen degree and career path
Groom students into confident graduates with leadership, teamwork, creative thinking and interpersonal skills through coaching and feedback
Foster learning through the experience and expertise of a mentor and his/her colleagues and industry peers

Expectations of the Participants

Mentor and mentee are to meet at least once a month
Mentor and mentee are to devote at least three hours each month to the program
Contact may include: email, phone, appointments, meetings, lunches, special events, shadowing, mentor in their professional environment, etc.

Mentee Qualifications

S.T.A.R. Certified
3.0+ overall GPA, and remain in good standing
Undergraduate or graduate student status with a declared major in business
Must be an enrolled student for the duration of the Coggin Executive Mentors program
In order to be considered, candidates must submit a résumé and an application

FAQs

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How does the Coggin Executive Mentors program work?

Students and mentors apply to be a part of the Mentor Program via the Career Management Center (CMC) website. CMC staff review applications and match mentees with professionals based on the applications, background and interests of both mentors and students. Participants will be notified of their match information via email prior to the program kick-off. Mentors and students meet throughout the academic year, from August through April.

A detailed schedule and events calendar will be provided to all participants.
How do I get involved?

Student applications are available in the Career Management Center and on this website. Candidate interviews are held in May and final decisions are made by late-July.

Employer Mentors

How do I serve as a mentor?
If you're an industry leader with a desire to make an invaluable contribution to the personal and professional development of a student, we encourage you to apply online by clicking the Mentor Application link on the right menu.

We're looking for alumni and other local professionals who:
- Have at least five years of professional experience
- Are willing to be available for their mentee throughout the academic year
- Are able to provide advice to help in transition from the classroom to the workplace

Student Mentees

How do I apply to become a mentee?

As a mentee, you'll learn from your mentor's personal and professional experience, knowledge and skills. The one-on-one mentor relationship allows for individual attention to your career aspirations, professional development and networking needs. To apply, please click on the Student Application link available on the right menu.
What can I do to make the most of my eight-month partnership with a business professional?
- Be Prepared: Understand your mentor's background, industry and company. Ensure that goals are set, topics are identified, agendas are created and questions are prepared for your meetings. Be prepared to talk about current news events and how they may be impacting business.
- Take Responsibility for the Relationship: Take ownership to keep the mentor relationship moving forward. Be proactive to ensure that the relationship continues to grow and meets your identified goals. Keep your mentor informed about your academics and special event participation on campus. Realize that having a mentor is a privilege and work hard to leverage the opportunity.
- Be Receptive to Feedback: Accept feedback and suggestions from the mentor. Follow through on requests made by your mentor.
- Show Professionalism: Uphold a high standard of professionalism. Be on time, dress appropriately and promptly return phone calls and emails. Show appreciation and gratitude toward your mentor.
- Maintain Respect: Uphold core relationship values including privacy, confidentiality, honesty and integrity. Respect differences while discovering common ground.
- Commit to Entire Program: Commit to actively participate in the eight month program. Keep scheduled appointments with the mentor or reschedule if necessary. Attend scheduled events or notify the Career Management Center if unable to attend.