柑橘直播

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?鈥�听听

鈥淚 joined the VSB Mentor Program to find someone in the business world whom I can look up to and who fully understands the challenges I may face during the recruiting process in college.鈥� 鈥� Shiv

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 take advantage of clubs or programs like this across campus as much as I should have when I was a student. And now, as I get further removed from school, I鈥檓 always looking for ways to stay connected. I鈥檝e also realized through my career that I get just as much from mentoring as I do from having a mentor. Signing up seemed like a no-lose situation, and it really has been a fantastic experience.鈥� 鈥� James

How has your experience compared to your expectation?听

鈥淢y relationship with James has far exceeded my expectations as I now consider him more of a friend than just someone obligated to meet with me occasionally because we both signed up for this program.鈥� 鈥� Shiv

鈥淚 had very little expectation starting out and have to give all the credit to Shiv. He鈥檚 a tremendous self-starter, knows what he wants, and has made it really easy for me to support his goals. I would say the three positive surprises are how frequently we connect, how we鈥檝e taken advantage of in-person time, and how it feels more like a friendship than a mentorship.鈥濃�� James

What makes your relationship a successful one? 鈥�舛寞舛寞听

鈥淎s I mentioned earlier, James and I have a relationship that goes far beyond the surface. Not only does he offer advice and listen to my concerns, but he always has my best interests at heart whenever I seek his guidance. He cares about me from a business perspective, but he also genuinely cares about my personal well-being.鈥� 鈥� Shiv

鈥淚t has felt highly collaborative. We spend a lot of our time discussing the various pathways to achieve Shiv鈥檚 goals. It鈥檚 been fun to prioritize so many different things throughout our relationship, and to that end, it鈥檚 never felt stale. We鈥檝e discussed everything from internship applications, interviews, case studies, networking, choosing electives and long-term career goals. Shiv has a really great support system so we鈥檝e also spent time discussing the feedback and guidance he鈥檚 gotten from other mentors. It鈥檚 been fun to help him navigate this process knowing he has other mentors doing the same. I鈥檝e learned so much from Shiv sharing his own perspectives in addition to the advice he鈥檚 received from others.鈥� 鈥� James

What do you admire most about your mentor/mentee? 鈥�舛寞舛寞听

鈥淭here are many things I admire about James, but at the top of the list is his ability to manage all aspects of life seamlessly. Despite having kids and an extremely demanding job, he always makes me feel like I鈥檓 the most important item on his to-do list when we talk and I need his help. His ability to balance personal and professional commitments while remaining fully present is something I truly aspire to.鈥濃�� Shiv

鈥淪hiv has a high level of character and the ability to make meaningful connections, which is also a testament to his family, peers, mentors and 柑橘直播. Shiv also has an impressive ability to articulate what he wants to achieve. The clarity he has on his goals, combined with the willingness to put in the work to achieve them, is admirable. It鈥檚 been really fun to watch him work hard and succeed in achieving his goals and I鈥檓 looking forward to staying in touch as he continues to strive.鈥� 鈥� James

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?听

鈥淭here are a few key practices I鈥檇 love to share with others but the two most important are: first, choose a mentor who works in an area that genuinely interests you and, second, aim to build a relationship that goes beyond simply asking questions鈥攎ake it a true friendship. I wasn鈥檛 entirely sure I wanted to go into consulting, but I had a strong sense that it could be a good fit for me. This gave James and me the chance to connect over topics we both found interesting. Additionally, our relationship thrives because we understand each other as individuals. It鈥檚 not transactional; it鈥檚 a genuine mutual friendship.鈥� 鈥� Shiv

鈥淎s a mentor, I鈥檝e tried to be available and check in when it feels right. You get out what you put in, so if you make the commitment, it鈥檚 important to stay connected. The relationship doesn鈥檛 have to feel formal to be effective; even just five minutes of time can be impactful.鈥� 鈥� James

听Students 鈥� have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淥ne of my Clifton Strengths that relates to my success is Responsibility. Navigating relationships can be difficult, and part of the process is holding yourself responsible. Be a sponge and learn something from each conversation. As a mentee, part of a successful relationship with your mentor is to drive the relationship in the direction you feel is fit.鈥� 鈥� Shiv

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?鈥�  

鈥淎s a Finance student seeking guidance on my career goals, I wanted to connect with a professional who could provide the support I was looking for. Navigating the industry was initially challenging, but the prospect of receiving advice from someone with firsthand experience made joining the VSB Mentor Program an easy decision.鈥� 鈥� Isabel

鈥淭he 柑橘直播 University Alumni network is the best in the nation. 柑橘直播ns have always been willing to contribute to students because the alumni before them did the same. I was blessed with several tremendous mentors who have had a significant impact on my professional career. Our Augustinian teachings have taught us to give back with our time, money, or talents.

In addition, participating in the VSB Mentor Program is a significant honor. There are so many talented individuals willing to contribute. Participating in the VSB Mentor Program is certainly a privilege. The team is readily available to both mentors and mentees on an active basis to make the program a successful one.鈥� 鈥� Thomas

How has your experience compared to your expectation? 

鈥淚 was looking for a mentor with whom I could cultivate a comfortable and candid relationship. Thomas, my mentor, has completely exceeded these expectations with his robust knowledge and personal belief in my success.鈥� 鈥� Isabel

鈥淥verall, the experience has exceeded my expectations. The program has three key features that are appealing as a mentor. First, the team ensures mentors and mentees are assigned appropriately which helps establish the foundation for a successful relationship. Second, the program is considerate of the mentors. The amount of time you want to contribute as a mentor is up to you, your availability and your willingness to support the mentees. Third, the experience has deepened my ties to the 柑橘直播 community. The VSB Mentor Program is yet another aspect of the University that makes me a proud alum.鈥� 鈥� Thomas

What makes your relationship a successful one? 鈥�舛寞舛寞 

鈥淭homas is always willing to walk me through my thoughts and concerns, emphasizing his genuine investment in my future.鈥� 鈥� Isabel

鈥淭he relationship that the 柑橘直播 Alumni network offers is unparalleled. The alumni have taught me the attributes, relationship skills and ability to communicate to have a successful mentoring relationship. Isabel has been incredible throughout the program, making my mentor role an easy one. We are on the same page and I will do the best I can to help her.鈥� 鈥� Thomas

What do you admire most about your mentor/mentee? 鈥�舛寞舛寞 

鈥淲hat I admire most about Thomas is his willingness to help regardless of how busy he is or his success in his career. Seeing the path he has taken to achieve his goals is very inspiring and makes me want to work harder. On top of this, he remains dedicated to the program and tome, helping me navigate through any difficulties that may arise and keeping me on track in terms of my career goals.鈥� 鈥� Isabel

鈥淚sabel is going to be successful. She has been and will continue to be a fantastic representation of the 柑橘直播 community. She has had multiple internship experiences over the last two summers. From these two experiences, she has affirmed her passion as a professional in business. She already has all the tools to be with any organization that she wants. Something I admire about Isabel is how prepared she is for our conversations. We have been able to learn from each other. Based on our experience, I hope to be an even better mentor to other mentees moving forward.鈥� 鈥� Thomas

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program? 

鈥淭he best practice to help you succeed in the VSB Mentor Program is that you should never be afraid to reach out. Thomas has helped me realize that no questions are bad questions, and that your mentor will always be there to discuss career goals or give advice. Reaching out can provide valuable insights, help broaden your network, and will make the experience of being in the program much better.鈥� 鈥� Isabel

鈥淓ach mentoring relationship is different. Each individual has the ability to decide the best frequency and communication platforms that work for them. We decided that text was best because we were able to stay in touch for almost two years. We then conducted numerous phone calls to have more in-depth conversation to develop a specific plan moving forward. There are so many talented students graduating from 柑橘直播 University every year. As alumni, we are extremely fortunate to be in a position to give back to these students. If we are able to give back to the 柑橘直播 community just a little, then the program is a success.鈥� 鈥� Thomas

 Students 鈥� have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淚 believe that two of my Clifton Strengths鈥擟ommunicator and Activator鈥攈ave heavily contributed to the success of our relationship. As a Communicator, I can express my thought process clearly which helps Thomas gain a better understanding of how to assist me. Being an Activator helps me take the insights given by Thomas and turn them into actions which benefit me and my career. Utilizing my strengths, I have been able to have make the most out of our mentoring sessions.鈥� 鈥� Isabel

听

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?鈥�听听

鈥淭he term 鈥楴ova Nation鈥� is frequently used in reference to the dedicated and intermixed group of alumni who are eager to help other 柑橘直播ns. On campus, it is a constant emphasis on leveraging the power of 鈥楴ova Nation,鈥� and that鈥檚 exactly what the VSB Mentor Program does! Upon completing SBI, I was excited to find a mentor who could guide my professional development and help me navigate my career.鈥� 鈥� Isabelle 听

鈥淒uring my time at 柑橘直播, I was a VSB Peer Advisor and had a VSB mentor of my own, so I have been heavily involved in and see the value of mentorship. Furthermore, while there are a lot of professional development resources available to VSB students, I wanted to increase the presence of marketing-specific resources and amplify potential career paths for non-finance and accounting focused students.鈥� 鈥� Megan

How has your experience compared to your expectation?听

鈥淢y experience with the VSB Mentor Program has surpassed my expectations. Megan provided invaluable mentorship to me during my internship application process. She was always a quick phone call away for any questions I had about resume edits, interview tips, or networking opportunities. Megan extends personal, supportive, and constructive advice that helps me advance my career goals.鈥� 鈥� Isabelle

鈥淢y experience as a mentor has exceeded my expectations since Isabelle is such a motivated and inquisitive mentee. The Program has been well designed to be flexible to meet the needs of both the mentee and mentor.鈥� 鈥� Megan

What makes your relationship a successful one? 鈥�舛寞舛寞听

鈥淢y relationship with Megan is successful because we make an effort to go beyond our monthly FaceTimes and connect in person when we can. We have met up face-to-face three times: the first at a VSB Mentor Program event in Manhattan, then at a dinner in NYC to celebrate the completion of my internship, and on campus in October for Alumni Weekend. Our direct interactions have fostered deeper connections which in turn facilitates effectiveness during our regularly scheduled meetings.鈥� 鈥� Isabelle

鈥淚 believe our relationship is successful due to our ease of communication and Isabelle鈥檚 insightful questions.鈥� 鈥� Megan

What has been the best part about having a mentor/mentee? 鈥�舛寞舛寞听

鈥淚 admire Megan鈥檚 pursuit of embracing new experiences, whether it be a new project at work or visiting a new country with friends. She proves that stepping out of one鈥檚 comfort zone opens a world of possibilities for learning and enrichment. I am inspired by her sense of curiosity and hope to emulate this characteristic in my own endeavors.鈥� 鈥� Isabelle

鈥淚 admire Isabelle鈥檚 proactiveness and hard-working nature. She is a highly motivated individual who manages to juggle all her coursework in addition to extracurriculars and leadership commitments with ease.鈥� 鈥� Megan

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?听

鈥淢egan and I practice open communication with one another, including regular messaging and meetings. Because of this dynamic, I feel comfortable candidly sharing my goals and challenges which enables Megan to best advise me. Our conversations provide opportunities to foster our relationship through shared interests that include 柑橘直播 Basketball, travel and food!鈥� 鈥� Isabelle

鈥淚 believe that having similar interests on both a personal and professional level allows us each to feel more invested in one another鈥檚 success. Also, while the Program offers a comprehensive baseline structure, pairs can work together to determine the best way to maximize what they want to get out of the mentoring relationship.鈥� 鈥� Megan

听Students 鈥� have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淐onsistency is one of my top Clifton Strength themes which contributes to the sense of reliability Megan and I have in our relationship. To maximize our meetings, we prioritize having a routine and value the time we have together. Continuing a regular form of contact and feedback bolsters the mentorship.鈥� 鈥� Isabelle

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?   

"I first heard about the VSB Mentor Program on a VU campus tour when I was still in high school. My tour guide was a VSB student who shared how beneficial the program was for him as he gained industry advice from someone who had been in the field he was looking to go into. As a freshman, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Mentor Program as well, because I believe a mentor and mentee pair experience is invaluable, especially being someone who is just starting a career. I think the emphasis of learning from one another inspired me the most to really get involved.鈥� 鈥� Maahika

鈥淚 am very involved in recruiting, and I saw that 柑橘直播 could have a better presence with Wall Street firms. I have also mentored within my company and found it to be very rewarding.鈥� 鈥� Heather

How has your experience compared to your expectation? 

鈥淛oining the VSB Mentor Program has exceeded my expectations. I have been able to get so much insight and advice from Heather. Building up the relationship from sophomore year has allowed me to ask Heather any question that I would not know who else to ask! From sharing opportunities to interview tips and reviewing my resume, Heather has really been so helpful, and I am looking forward to keeping in touch even after I graduate.鈥� 鈥� Maahika 
 
鈥淢y experience in the VSB Mentor Program has been very positive.鈥� 鈥� Heather

What makes your relationship a successful one? 

鈥淚 think communication and goal setting have made our relationship successful. Our first call was to discuss what I was interested in achieving and ways I could reach my goals. I think I have gained a lot of professional confidence throughout this experience. We schedule calls every month where we share what we are working on or have been doing and talk through any questions I have.鈥� 鈥� Maahika

鈥淚 attribute much of the success to Maahika. She is proactive and a consistent and effective communicator.鈥� 鈥� Heather

What do you admire most about your mentor/mentee?

鈥淚 admire my mentor鈥檚 honest advice the most. Whether it be for resume help, interview advice, or career searching, Heather has given me honest insight from her years of experience. She has helped me better navigate internship and career opportunities.鈥� 鈥� Maahika 

鈥淚 admire Maahika鈥檚 hard work and resourcefulness.鈥� 鈥� Heather

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 always helpful to get to know your mentor personally, as well as professionally. Being curious and asking about her family and hobbies have really allowed Heather and I to go one step further and know more about each other on an individual level. When we finally got to meet in person over the summer, it was easy to catch up because we had gotten to know each other so well over phone calls.鈥� 鈥� Maahika  

"As a mentor, make yourself available but allow the student to set the pace of the relationship.鈥� 鈥� Heather

Students 鈥� have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淭he Clifton Strengths that have contributed to the success of my mentoring relationship are responsibility, consistency and discipline. I believe these strengths have helped me make the most of the mentoring experience. Coming into the program, I was looking to grow as a person, as well as a student, and being paired with Heather has been so beneficial.鈥� 鈥� Maahika

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?鈥�

鈥淚 joined the VSB Mentor Program to build my professional network and learn from alumni who have pursued successful careers in finance after graduating from 柑橘直播.鈥� 鈥� Connor

鈥淚 have always enjoyed coaching youth sports and mentoring my younger coworkers, so when I heard about VSB鈥檚 Mentor Program, it seemed like a natural fit.鈥疉lso, having the opportunity to give a little something back to the school that has given me so much was something I was more than willing to do.鈥� 鈥� Charlie

How has your experience compared to your expectation?

鈥淭his experience has surpassed my expectations, offering a unique opportunity to develop meaningful connections with alumni who have helped me gain insights into career paths within the financial services industry. It has been great to talk with my mentor not only about finance and careers, but also about New York sports, Nova basketball and our experiences at 柑橘直播.鈥� 鈥� Connor

鈥淚 was not sure what to expect as it was a new program to me, but thankfully it has exceeded all expectations.鈥疘 was pleasantly surprised that being a part of the program never felt like work. The program has structure, but there is also a lot of freedom in terms of growing the relationship.鈥疘t is all about getting to know a young VSB student, taking the ride with him and giving some guidance along the way. I am now with my third mentee which is proof enough that the program is rewarding.鈥� 鈥� Charlie

What makes your relationship a successful one? 鈥�舛寞舛寞

鈥淐hecking in every few weeks, asking questions and making my interests known early has helped make this a successful mentorship. Setting up calls prior to interviews and internships has also helped me gain valuable insights and answer any questions I had.鈥� 鈥� Connor

鈥淭he key is establishing with my mentee that I don鈥檛 want him to view this as work or as some box he must check;鈥疘 want him to look forward to our interactions.鈥疘 am here to help in any way and share my thoughts and experiences.鈥疘 understand how busy he is and if he views our communication as a chore, then that wouldn鈥檛 be beneficial to either of us. I do my best to create a relationship that is not all about business. Maybe this leads to a lot of basketball talk, but so be it.鈥� 鈥� Charlie

What do you admire most about your mentor/mentee?鈥�舛寞舛寞

鈥淚 admire Charlie鈥檚 willingness to answer my questions about careers in financial services by speaking about his own experiences in sales. He has always offered to help me prepare for interviews, strategize about internships and understand the different roles in finance. I always appreciate him taking the time to check in about classes, extracurriculars and career planning.鈥� 鈥� Connor

鈥淐onnor is a lot of things I was not as a young student.鈥疞et鈥檚 just say his focus and work ethic are very impressive.鈥疕e really has his 鈥渟tuff鈥� together and has a great internship on Wall Street for this summer teed up.鈥疉side from the premier student aspect, he is also a pleasure to get to know.鈥疘 never feel like we are working to keep a conversation going; it flows easily as he is very well spoken and curious.鈥疘 only hope I am giving him the right advice. I do tell him to use other sources also to be fair. He is simply an all-around great young man.鈥� 鈥� Charlie

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?

鈥淚t is important to build a regular cadence and connect with your mentor on a regular basis, even if it is just to check in and talk about the weekend or Nova basketball. For students, it is also beneficial if you lead the conversation so that you can focus on your interests and the mentor can understand how to best help. It is also important to make your interests and goals known early in the process.鈥� 鈥� Connor

鈥淢y number one best practice is telling my mentee up front that this will only work if he keeps up the communication.鈥疘 put it on him to make sure we keep a steady cadence and to schedule calls, so it creates responsibility.鈥疘t is very easy to go weeks without touching base as we are both busy.鈥疘 put it on him to not let that happen, even if it is only a quick check-in biweekly. I also promote him being comfortable reaching out outside of our steady schedule if anything comes up. Consistent communication is the key to this program鈥檚 success.鈥� 鈥� Charlie

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?

鈥淎fter completing my business minor through VSB, the opportunity to have a mentor help guide me through college and my professional career was enticing. Creating this connection through VSB seemed like an excellent way to supplement professional skills I have learned in Navy ROTC that I will need to become a better leader, teammate and communicator in my future career.鈥� 鈥� Matt

鈥淚 truly understand the power of having a mentor. I have been very fortunate to have had several mentors in my life who assisted me to grow in my career. I still stay engaged with these mentors to this day. Therefore, I wanted to offer my experiences to future leaders by joining the VSB Mentor Program.鈥� 鈥� Ken

How has your experience compared to your expectation?

鈥淚 thought I would be paired with a mentor who could offer me advice for my professional career. However, Mr. Jeanos has far exceeded this and has become not only a close mentor, but also a friend I can rely on and always seek out when I need help. Mr. Jeanos even steered me toward an internship with the company he works for building US Navy submarines, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), a fascinating job that has balanced my engineering skills with my NAVY ties. Working with Mr. Jeanos has been a pleasure and I hope to stay in contact throughout my career.鈥� 鈥� Matt

鈥淭his has been a fulfilling experience. I look forward to our conversations and getting to know Matt. He is a dedicated, intelligent and respectful young man.鈥� 鈥� Ken

What makes your relationship a successful one?

鈥淢r. Jeanos has an extremely friendly and easygoing personality but is an organized and hard-working mentor. He is approachable and his dedication to his job and to this Program has allowed us both to communicate well and succeed as a mentoring pair.鈥� 鈥� Matt

鈥淭he level of respect and trust that that we have for each other makes our relationship successful. I feel that we are both engaged in this Program for the right reasons.鈥� 鈥� Ken

What do you admire most about having a mentor/mentee?

鈥淢r. Jeanos is a dedicated individual in all aspects of his life. He always is available for me despite his busy schedule and is an extremely diligent planner, making him an excellent role model. I always feel like I can go to him for advice or with questions I have.鈥� 鈥� Matt

鈥淢att has committed himself to the ROTC program. When he completes his undergraduate degree 柑橘直播, he will then dedicate himself to protecting the rights and freedoms that we all have as Americans. It takes a special person to commit themselves to carry out that mission.鈥� 鈥� Ken

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?

鈥淵ou get out of this relationship what you put into it. If you want a close working relationship, you need to set aside time to meet and really get to know your mentor. Regular communication is key to get the absolute most out of the Program.鈥� 鈥� Matt

鈥淭ake the time to get to know your mentee. Ask him or her questions rather than just offer guidance. I was fortunate to get to know Matt for a couple of years and I am honored that I could help him get an internship at GDEB. Although he did not work in my area, we stayed in touch throughout his internship where he supported the construction efforts of nuclear submarines for the US Navy. I felt it allowed Matt to strengthen his alliance to the military while gaining valuable business experience.鈥� 鈥� Ken

Students 鈥� have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淎s an Arranger, I enjoy managing and organizing my time with the commitments I have. This allows me to make time to interact with my mentor and form the relationship that we have. In addition, as a Learner I am always eager to ask questions and seek out new experiences which I have worked with my mentor to achieve. A desire for learning is a key foundation with any mentoring relationship journey.鈥� 鈥� Matt

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?

鈥淢entors have served as tremendous guides throughout my life. When I transferred to 柑橘直播 my sophomore year, finding a mentor was important in establishing a strong foundation. As a Political Science major, I became increasingly interested in international political economics and felt like I was missing an important piece: business. I wanted guidance on how to fuse my passions and academic interests into a career. I pursued a business minor through the Summer Business Institute and was afforded the opportunity to participate in the VSB Mentor Program.鈥� 鈥� Grayson

鈥淔irst, I was inspired to join the VSB Mentor Program because I was hoping to help young women see the incredible opportunities available to them now (especially compared to when I was that age). I hoped to reinforce that a glass ceiling can be broken, and that if you want something, you can make it happen with the proper mindset and goals. Second, I wanted to see the world through the next generation鈥檚 eyes. There鈥檚 a close to 40-year age difference between Grayson and me. I wanted to see how she sees things, reacts to challenges, and makes her career goals a reality.鈥� 鈥� Clara

How has your experience compared to your expectation?

鈥淢y experience has exceeded my expectations. Clara has been very generous sharing her time and knowledge. She has served as a consultant for my business venture Meant for Big Things, aided in decision making, and guided me through fluctuating career paths. Sharing our 柑橘直播 experiences, specifically as it relates to business, has been incredibly rewarding. Clara has opened doors for me and serves as a great example of what is possible with hard work, multidisciplinary perspectives and consistency.鈥� 鈥� Grayson

鈥淲orking with Grayson has truly exceeded my expectations. She rose to the challenge on many occasions, even when I questioned some choices. She listened, she did her research, and she acted on every objective we established.鈥� 鈥� Clara

What makes your relationship a successful one? 听听听

鈥淭here is purpose to each meeting. We usually do not just meet to catch-up. There are objectives to be achieved at each meeting. While we hit the objectives, there is always room for the conversation to float elsewhere. We both share a fascination with many academic disciplines and have a desire to expand our knowledge. Our shared interests in business, international relations and entrepreneurship allow us to have meaningful conversations about the state of the world through an interdisciplinary perspective.鈥� 鈥� Grayson

听鈥淲e both respected each other鈥檚 time, commitments and viewpoints. Even if we did not necessarily agree on an item, we would support each other鈥檚 right to speak on it.鈥� 鈥� Clara

What has been the best part about having a mentor/mentee? 听听 听

鈥淐lara is incredibly knowledgeable and has a keen eye for solutions. Her strategic advice as a mentor is invaluable. In addition, she creates an open environment to explore anything from career paths to school paper topics. It is a relief and confidence-booster to know she has my back and wants me to succeed. Last year, I was lost on which career path to take upon graduation. After long discussions, she suggested looking into investment banks. Through interview prep, diving into her network and increasing my confidence, Clara helped guide me to an exciting career in finance post-grad.鈥� 鈥� Grayson

鈥淪eeing Grayson thrive! She has made sound decisions, and I know she will be very successful.听 There is very little I can take credit for 鈥� it is all Grayson. But I will proudly watch her success from the sidelines and continue to cheer her on.鈥� 鈥� Clara

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?

鈥淭he amount of effort you put into the Program determines what you get out of it. For students, an important best practice is planning. Prior to meetings, lay out short-term and long-term objectives, prepare a loose agenda, and most importantly, enter each meeting with something new, exciting and positive. During the meeting, discuss outside interests and creative ideas. Mentor meetings serve as a space of creation; come with a plan and purpose but let that serve as a base for genuine conversation and discovery.鈥� 鈥� Grayson

鈥淏e flexible and be somewhat casual. I found some of our best conversations were not scripted or bound by a strict agenda.鈥� 鈥� Clara

Students 鈥� Have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淚 believe my Clifton Strengths of Activator, Communication and Positivity were important in the success of our mentor relationship. These strengths were manifested in the following: meeting preparation, short and long-term action plans, and keeping a positive attitude.鈥� 鈥� Grayson

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?听听听

鈥淚 had first heard about the VSB Mentor Program during my tour when I was a prospective student. It was one of the many things that differentiated 柑橘直播 from other business schools and I was eager to get involved as soon as I could. I joined the VSB Mentor

Program Advisory Board during my first year 鈥� even before I had a mentor of my own 鈥� so I could take advantage of the numerous networking opportunities the Program offers. My drive to network with 柑橘直播 alumni and form meaningful connections inspired me to be a part of the Program.鈥� 鈥� Graham

鈥淭he opportunity to give back my time and share my early professional experiences with students at my alma mater inspired me to join the Program. I want to help them in their advancement, whether it be for academic preferences and/or career searches.鈥� 鈥� Chris

How has your experience compared to your expectation?

鈥淢y experience being involved in the VSB Mentor Program is very similar to how I expected it to go which I think reflects how you truly get out what you put into this Program. I wanted help with professional development, networking, interview preparation, and any other possible challenge that may come up. Chris has done a great job providing me with assistance when needed.鈥� 鈥� Graham

鈥淢y experience has been outstanding, largely reflecting the energy from my mentee. Graham has great enthusiasm for learning and making connections. I have enjoyed the rewarding process of enhancing his confidence in internship and employment efforts.鈥� 鈥� Chris

What makes your relationship a successful one? 听听听

鈥淚 think what makes my relationship with Chris successful is that he is always driving me to be a better version of myself. By allowing me to access his network to learn more about different career opportunities and helping me navigate the internship application and interview processes, Chris has consistently been there to support me.鈥� 鈥� Graham

鈥淥pen and frequent communication is essential to developing our relationship, understanding what each of us can offer, and setting expectations. This simple communication foundation has moved us toward greater appreciation and assistance to help each other and has allowed Graham to develop and build his confidence.鈥� 鈥� Chris

What has been the best part about having a mentor/mentee? 听听听

鈥淭he best part about having a mentor has been having someone to turn to any time I have a question about anything professional. If I ever get lost and need guidance, I know I can always text Chris for advice. It is great to have a contact in the industry I am looking to enter who I can run things by which helps me with my career confidence.鈥� 鈥� Graham

鈥淪imply, as a Mentor, it鈥檚 the ability to help a younger professional clarify desires and establish goals.听These are then more easily reflected in their discussions, interviews and communications with professors, prospective employers, and other relationships.鈥� 鈥� Chris

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?

鈥淪omething that I have made a consistent effort of doing is keeping Chris updated with my academic and professional career. When I was looking for an internship for last summer and the upcoming summer, I would send Chris a list of all the companies that I was looking into and the pros and cons of each opportunity and he would give his advice as if he was in my situation. Because of his guidance, I was able to secure two really great internships and I could not have done it without his help.鈥� 鈥� Graham

鈥淔irst, establish communication grounds and the importance of the commitment to communicate regularly, even if nothing has developed or no items have surfaced since the last get-together.听Second, establish simple goals for the relationship between both the mentor and mentee. Third, both people should be flexible in where the mentee's path (selection of major, internship ideas, new studies, employment, etc.) may lead. It is important for me to remember the overriding goal as mentor is to share my experiences, both failures and successes, to better enable my mentee to make life decisions with higher conviction.鈥� 鈥� Chris

Have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淥ne of my Clifton Strengths is being a learner which I think has contributed to my success with Chris. I am always trying to learn more about the real estate industry and best professional practices so I ask a lot of questions and learn a lot from Chris and his experience. No question is a stupid one and I feel more equipped to enter the professional world having asked.鈥� 鈥� Graham

What inspired you to join the VSB Mentor Program?听听 听

鈥淓ver since I went to primary school in Vietnam, I have always been surrounded by very close-knit communities. In fact, my high school graduation only had 50 graduates and the teachers felt like family because they connected and took care of us outside classes. As I continued my education at 柑橘直播, I missed having a person who closely guided me. Fortunately, the VSB Mentor Program gave me the opportunity to connect with an alumnus who is experienced in the field that I am interested in and understands being a college student. The Program gives me the comfort knowing that I have someone who supports me as I enter the professional world.鈥� 鈥� Tee

鈥淚 have always enjoyed giving back to the community at large. During my time at 柑橘直播, I was involved in several community-forward activities including serving as a student mentor and tutor through the VSB Tutoring Program. Prior to serving as an alumni mentor through the VSB Mentor Program, I had some experience as a peer mentor in both high school and in Big 4 consulting. When I learned about the VSB Mentor Program, I jumped at the call to join the roster of available alumni mentors.鈥� 鈥� Eric

How has your experience compared to your expectation?

鈥淢y experience is beyond my expectation when I first joined the Program. Eric has not only given me professional advice, but also tips to do better in school and in life. Occasionally, I am lucky to hear some of his funny and relatable flashbacks from when he was a student at 柑橘直播. Other times, when he is in town and has some time to catch up, he will invite me to eat somewhere off campus. Through this, he has taught me some unspoken business and social rules, which are practical and not learned in classroom settings.鈥� 鈥� Tee

鈥淚 was certainly expecting to be discussing coursework, the information systems industry and internships with Tee. What I was not expecting, however, was to witness the budding career of a young professional in such an intimate way. Since starting the mentoring journey with Tee last year, she has already received an internship offer and has been considered for awards, scholarships and other honors. Watching Tee鈥檚 柑橘直播 experience firsthand has been nothing short of magical, and Tee has been so forthcoming to share all of her news and seek advice. For this and many other reasons, the Program has far surpassed my expectations.鈥� 鈥� Eric

What makes your relationship a successful one?

鈥淚 believe constant communication is one of the most important factors that contributes to a successful professional relationship. Eric is open to having conversations with me via both emails and text messages. I use emails to forward him some good news or important concerns that directly affect my academic and career choices. Meanwhile, text messages are for quick updates or requests for quick advice. Regardless, I try to keep my messages concise and to-the-point, so that he can best support me even during his busy times.鈥� 鈥� Tee

鈥淭ee is highly communicative and very easy to work with, both of which have directly contributed to the strength of our mentoring partnership. We shared phone numbers early on which has definitely helped with periodic communication in between and to coordinate more formal check-ins. Tee and I also have the added benefit of me having residence very close to 柑橘直播, so barring the time when Tee was at home in Hanoi and during the COVID-19 restrictions on campus, all of our meetings have been in person.鈥� Eric

What has been the best part about having a mentor/mentee?听 听

鈥淭he best part of having a mentor is having someone who is working in the industry that I want to work in give me professional advice and at the same time understand being a VSB student. I can ask Eric about anything!鈥� 鈥� Tee

鈥淎part from all of the professional discussions we have, Tee and I have gotten to know one another on a personal level along the way. Tee shares stories about her trips and activities outside of the classroom and, from this past summer, her travels through her native country of Vietnam. She, in kind, is always curious to hear about my adventures. It is this type of personal connection, alongside the professional discourse which forms the backbone of our relationship, making my continued time working with Tee so special. In addition, it has been incredibly eye-opening to hear the perspective of a current 柑橘直播 student. I am impressed to see how many more resources and opportunities VSB students have now compared to when I was a student.鈥� 鈥� Eric

Do you have a best practice to share with other pairs in the Program?

鈥淚 believe having a good goal-setting habit and being able to share that with your mentor can help you go a long way. Eric helped me get into this habit by teaching me how to make SMART goals, an acronym which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. From then on, I always think about that framework whenever I start a new semester. After that, I make sure to share my goal with him and ask him about his opinions on how to work towards those goals. That way, I always have something to reflect on at the end of the semester and update with Eric.鈥� 鈥� Tee

鈥淔rom the mentor鈥檚 point of view, asking, 鈥渉ow can I help?鈥� can be a very powerful thing. You never know what might be truly helpful. Tee has asked for assistance with internship documentation, class and studying tips and tricks, advice about what to do during her semester breaks, and plenty more. From the mentee鈥檚 point of view, don鈥檛 be afraid to ask your mentor for what would be most helpful to help you achieve success. Sometimes it can even be something very small that makes a big difference.鈥� 鈥� Eric

Have any of your Clifton Strengths contributed to the success of your mentoring relationship? If so, how?

鈥淥ne of my Clifton Strengths is Strategic, meaning that I have the talent in spotting relevant patterns and issues when faced with any give scenario. It is most obvious when I can engage in dialogues with people or spend some time alone to think. That partially explains why I enjoy sharing my life updates with Eric. In fact, the more I talk it out, certain problems reveal themselves, and eventually some solutions start taking shape in my mind. For example, before spring break, I told Eric that I might feel really bored during break time because everyone, but me, would be traveling somewhere. I then realized that the problem is me being overwhelmed with planning and truly just needing a break with no expectation. From there, I came up with the idea of multiple small trips to save my energy and keep my mind fresh. It turned out to be a balanced break and I, of course, updated Eric again on what I did!鈥� 鈥� Tee

The VSB Mentor Program strives to connect students with seasoned professionals who can support students as alumni mentors in order to advance students in professional development opportunities. In February of 2021, Colin Lilly and Praneet Saxena, two driven and motivated students and friends, both filled out mentee profiles after declaring their majors in order to each be matched with a mentor through the VSB Mentor Program. While they had discussed that they both completed their mentee profile and selected a mentor, neither expanded on telling each other about their experiences connecting on Zoom with their mentor. 

Colin and Praneet continued to take the initiative to connect monthly with their mentors. One afternoon, while the two friends were studying together, Colin looked at Praneet鈥檚 computer screen and noticed that Praneet was sending an email to a woman named Alex Ondik. Upon seeing the last name, Colin asked Praneet for details on the woman he was emailing. Praneet told Colin that Alex Ondik was his mentor through the VSB Mentor Program, and Colin responded by saying that his mentor also had the last name Ondik. The two friends put together that Colin鈥檚 mentor, John Ondik is the father of Alex Ondik, who is Praneet鈥檚 mentor!

After the two mentees shared this exciting realization with the Ondiks, they all agreed to plan a breakfast so the two family members and two friends could all connect and discuss mentorship. In October 2021, the four 柑橘直播ns gathered at First Watch on Lancaster Avenue to eat breakfast and connect. Read below to learn how they have all strengthened friendship and familial bonds through the VSB Mentor Program, along with forming new relationships with others in the Program.

How has your experience in the VSB Mentor Program compared to your expectations?

鈥淏eing a part of the VSB Mentor Program is more than I had hoped for. I mentor Colin, a bright and driven student, and also participate as an Advisory Board member surrounded by talented, dedicated alumni. When I met with Michele Gianforcaro about joining the Advisory Board I was hooked by her passion and commitment to the students and mentors in Program. Specifically, working with my mentee Colin has been a wonderful experience. His preparation, motivation, and coachability has made it easy and enjoyable to take this journey together. And the fact that his best friend is being mentored by my daughter, and that we had the opportunity to have a meeting with the four of us is incredible! I have always believed in giving back. It is something passed down from my dad. Through the VSB Mentor Program, I am getting much more than I am giving.鈥� 鈥� John

鈥淐onnecting with and mentoring Praneet has been great. While I had expected that the kind of students who sign up for the VSB Mentor Program would be dedicated and driven like Praneet, I was impressed by how he and I were able to truly connect and make that safe space to take conversations a step further, beyond just standard career and networking topics. We put the time in up front to prioritize getting to know one another. I think having that additional comfort and awareness of personalities allows us to discuss deeper topics besides just situational scenarios. It is less about just an interview or class, and more about getting to know ourselves on a deeper level which will serve us no matter where we end up. I would be remiss not to mention how fun it was to meet in person, alongside my father who is a fellow VSB alumnus and mentor.鈥� 鈥� Alex

鈥淢y experience in the VSB Mentor Program thus far has exceeded my initial expectations. Upon joining the Program, I was looking for a trusted advisor I could go to for both professional and personal advice, and I am grateful that John has been excellent in facilitating this kind of relationship. John has been a consistently great resource in affirming my career interests and supporting my internship search. I am happy to say we have gotten to spend quality time together and form a meaningful connection.鈥� 鈥� Colin

鈥淛oining the VSB Mentor Program has exceeded my expectations because of the tremendous support I now have. My mentor, Alex, has provided excellent help and feedback as I am closer to entering the workforce. It is great to receive feedback from her and discuss some of the challenges I face as a student.鈥� 鈥� Praneet

Would you encourage another student or alumni to get involved in the program? If yes, why?

鈥淎bsolutely! The VSB Mentor Program provides an opportunity to share with and learn from some of the finest students anywhere. As mentors, we can share life and business lessons learned over the years and allow students to benefit from our experiences. The Program is a win for the students, a win for the mentors, a win for VSB and 柑橘直播!鈥� 鈥� John  

鈥淐ertainly. I have benefited from many mentors in my life, and I appreciate the opportunity to take some of the things I have learned through experience and pay it forward. There are many skills I learned after 柑橘直播 that I wish I had started to develop while still a student. As a mentor, I also benefit greatly by listening to Praneet鈥檚 good questions. I, too, am a lifelong learner. Plus, I love to stay up to date about what is going on at VSB, which I credit a lot of my success to.鈥� 鈥� Alex

鈥淚 would certainly encourage other students to get involved in the Program, particularly Business Minor students such as myself. Having a 柑橘直播 alumnus in my corner at all times has been incredibly valuable, and it is reassuring to know I can go to John at any time with questions or concerns and receive support and wisdom.鈥� 鈥� Colin

鈥淎bsolutely! Having an experienced alumnus to guide you is extremely helpful. I highly recommend that students engage in mentoring relationships in college and beyond.鈥� 鈥� Praneet