Description:

Research has clearly indicated the strong positive impact that mentorship can have for students, as it relates to a variety of outcomes, including better engagement in future workplaces and personal well-being (Gallup-Strada Alumni Survey, 2018). Unfortunately, research has also indicated that too few students have the opportunity to participate in high-quality mentoring relationships, with even fewer opportunities for racially minoritized students (2018). Given the impact that mentoring relationships can have for students, it is crucial that we not leave these experiences up to chance. While some students may feel more comfortable finding and establishing mentoring relationships, more students than not would benefit from guidance and coaching on how to find and build a mentoring relationship. Mentoring relationships are essential during otherwise normal times in the world, but they can be even more impactful in the face of drastic changes to opportunities for work and continued study for graduating college students as caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. May 2020 graduating seniors especially felt the impacts of the pandemic as they approached their career search with such an uncertain entrance into the workforce. In order to provide additional support, Wellesley College Career Education launched the Senior Support Network in 2020. The Senior Support Network is designed to connect students with advisers and alumnae who can help them reach their individual career goals throughout this challenging time through one-on-one (one alumna, one student) or pod-style mentoring relationships (one or more alumnae, two or more students). Students and alumnae were matched on the basis of industry interest and/or identity (racial, ethnic, sexuality, or gender identity). This program will discuss the model of the Senior Support Network initiative, its challenges and successes, and additional resources created by those involved in this effort to support both students’ and alumnae experiences. In 2020, we had 332 students opt into participating — 54% of the total class of 613 — and 550 alumnae volunteer to serve as mentors. As of March 2021, we have provided mentorship opportunities for more than 200 seniors in the Class of 2021, with almost 250 alumnae mentors participating. As seniors approach graduation, sign-ups continue to grow as we continue to promote this opportunity. This mentorship model has been very successful for graduating seniors as it has removed the barrier of the initial legwork of finding a mentor. At the same time, it has provided a meaningful opportunity for alumnae to pay it forward to current students during an especially tumultuous time. Students were and are able to gain insight into ever-shifting industry trends, receive additional support as they navigate their job search, and expand their personal network. We hope to share lessons learned through the creation and implementation of this initiative and to invite broader conversation about how we can continue to create opportunities for students to reap the many benefits of a mentoring relationship.

Audience:

Career Services

Level:

Intermediate

Track:

Coaching & Advising

Type:

Traditional

Main Speaker:

Tess Mattern, Wellesley College

Additional Speakers:

Hayley Meredith McIlvaine, Wellesley College