May 2001 University Reporter

By Bogusia Bucklin

“Every mentoring relationship rewards us with the opportunity to share talents, experiences, and philosophies with another.”-- Linda Talarico, mentor since 1998

The sentiments expressed by Linda Talarico reflect the goals established for the mentoring program when it was offered to undergraduate students in the College of Management in 1998. Students who chose to participate in the program were assigned alumni from the College of Management as mentors. Mentors and mentees were matched according to professional interests and temperaments. The hope was that the mentors would be sounding boards for their mentees, friends who would act as resource brokers showing the mentees how to access services and resources required for their professional and personal development. Mentors contacted their mentees on a regular basis and helped by creating networking opportunities for the mentees, taking them to the mentors’ places of work and to conferences. All mentors were volunteers, and the commitment on the part of the participants was for one academic year.

In its first year, the mentoring program enrolled 22 students and mentors. In successive years the numbers have ranged from 52 to 107 participants. In addition to opening and closing events, the program coordinator, Ines Maturana, provided monthly support meetings for all participants.

The success of the undergraduate program prompted the expansion of the program to include MBA students for the current academic year. Nine MBA students volunteered to join the program, along with six MBA alumni. The pooling of resources by the undergraduate and graduate programs, the co-operation between program coordinators, Ines Maturana and myself, resulted in a strong, cohesive service being available to participating students. The mentoring program reflects the College of Management’s commitment responding to the needs of its students and striving for excellence in service.

Satisfaction with the program is clear from the comments received from students. Marco Heller, an MBA student, wrote, “It was a great experience. I could talk with someone about economic issues, resume writing, job opportunities…. My mentor provided me with precise answers to my questions. I believe we mutually profited from this relationship.”

Indeed, having had very rewarding experiences as mentees, many graduating students willingly offer their services as mentors. They see the program as an opportunity to remain involved as alumni, and to give something back to the College. Currently, 56 percent of undergraduate mentors were themselves mentees. In a recent mentee survey, 75 percent of the students indicated that they would like to become mentors after graduation. Likewise, many of the mentors chose to undertake this commitment for more than one year and continue to advise and guide their former mentees. More than 40 percent of our current mentors have been in the program for more than one year.

The College of Management plans to continue to offer this service to its students, and to expand the program in response to student needs. If you are interested in offering this service in your department, Ines and I would be more than happy to share our experiences with you.

Bucklin is the assistant director of the MBA program. Please call 7-7700 for more information.

This column is a part of a continuing monthly series featuring best practices at UMass Boston. Interested in highlighting your best practices? Submit your ideas to Leigh DuPuy at news@umb.edu

MBA Mentoring is a Best Practice

By Bogusia Bucklin

“Every mentoring relationship rewards us with the opportunity to share talents, experiences, and philosophies with another.”-- Linda Talarico, mentor since 1998

This column is a part of a continuing monthly series featuring best practices at UMass Boston. Interested in highlighting your best practices? Submit your ideas to Leigh DuPuy at news@umb.edu