Mentor-Protégé Program
The Mentor-Protégé Program creates mentoring relationships between selected Communication students (majors, minors, and master's) and a member of the department's National Advisory Council. The relationship is one in which an experienced professional (mentor) guides, coaches, and teaches a less experienced student or young professional (protégé). Mentoring is expected to benefit all involved: the mentor, the protégé, the organization(s), as well as the culture supporting the relationship.
The mentoring relationship is one in which an experienced professional (mentor) guides, coaches, and teaches a less experienced student or young professional (protégé).
Mentoring must benefit all involved: the mentor, the protégé, the organization(s), as well as the culture supporting the relationship.
Responsibilities of Mentor
- First Meeting, held in conjunction with the National Advisory Council meetings on-campus.
- Agree on short and long term goals for the protégé.
- Communicate frequently (3-5 contacts/semester, either by phone or in person).
- Be available to your protégé as needed.
- Provide sound advice, coaching, teaching and inspiration to your protégé.
- Track your protégé's progress toward their academic and professional goals.
- Complete assessment process at the end of each semester.
Responsibilities of Protégé
- Prior to meeting your mentor, polish and update your resume and/or LinkedIn materials.
- Meet with your mentor during on-campus National Advisory Council meetings (usually in March and October).
- Contact your mentor monthly.
- Research your mentor’s company, bio, outside interests, etc.
- Engage in proactive dialogue and ask informed questions.
- Complete an assessment process at the end of each semester.
Assessment Process
- Complete online survey.
- Conduct the end-semester interview with the Department of Communication Event Coordinator or Executive in Residence.
- Discuss between mentor and protégé what works, what doesn't’t, and how to improve the mentorship, especially at the mid-term and end-semester points.