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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.