Women's Mentor Program
Robinson College of Business
The program's objective is to prepare women business students to become future business leaders by linking them with senior women mentors who have taken that path and are committed to sharing with the next generation.
The College recognizes the importance of producing graduates who can
- Lead and accept responsibility for taking the initiative,
- Acquire an integrative view of both the organization and its environment, and
- Develop a sense of community with other business professionals.
Professional individuals can actively participate in a student's graduate school experience through their involvement in the Women's Mentor Program. Graduate students acquire business insight, not merely a classroom education, through their interaction and friendship with a designated mentor.
Who can be a mentor?
Any Atlanta-based businessperson with a minimum of four years' experience in mid- and upper-management is eligible to participate as a mentor. Mentors can be entrepreneurs or employees of large and small firms. Willingness to share experience and knowledge with a designated mentee will highlight mentors as role models.
Who can be a mentee?
All mentees must make the commitment to communicate with their mentors by phone or email and to be flexible when scheduling meetings.
What are a mentor's responsibilities?
A mentor's role will be to
- Listen and provide candid feedback about the student and her situation, capabilities, and aspirations;
- Provide guidance about career goals and how to attain them, based on the mentor's own experience and perspectives;
- Model her own brand of business values and success by sharing information about her career, the system she has experienced, and how it works;
- Provide an in-depth understanding of her current work environment and its features; and
- Expose the mentee to the mentor's perpectives on the business world.
What are a mentee's responsibilities?
A mentee's role will be to
- Take responsibility for bringing job and career issues to her mentor for discussion;
- Give the mentor as complete a picture as possible of her situation and concerns;
- Prepare for each meeting by planning what she would like to discuss; and
- Listen to and act upon feedback about herself and her career options.
How will mentors benefit from the Program?
Mentors will improve interpersonal skills and leadership abilities and gain perspective through inspiring, encouraging, and guiding mentees' careers. Mentor participation offers wonderful PR and harvests individuals who are knowledgeable about the mentor's company.
The mentors gain the self-satisfaction of contributing to an individual's future success. The mentors' involvement and improved skills will heighten their profile and career development. It's a win-win situation for all players involved.
What is the time commitment?
The Program extends from August through June. Mentors commit a minimum of one hour per month to communicate with their mentees (in person or by phone), accessibility by email on a weekly basis plus one face-to-face meeting every six months.
How does the selection process work?
Interested mentors and mentees will submit applications to the program. Mentors and mentees will be matched based on backgrounds, interests, and interviews. If we are unable to provide all interested mentors with a mentee, we will give the potential mentor priority for the following year's selection.
Who can answer any questions?
The Co-Directors will be happy to provide any additional information.
What is the next step?
Any women interested in serving as a mentor or mentee must write a letter explaining what they hope to accomplish with the program, attach a bio or resume, and email Gillian Royes, Co-Director of the Mentor Program, at groyes@gsu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
