The School's Mentor Program once again welcomed mentors and student proteges to the annual Mentor Program Orientation and Kickoff on Sept. 30. The Mentor Program, in existence since 1991, pairs South Florida business professionals with junior, senior, and graduate business students.

Through personal interaction with experienced business professionals throughout the academic year, students gain an understanding of corporate culture, career directions, and networking.  Mentors also help students prepare for careers and transition from the classroom to the workplace.

The mentor program strives to match student applicants with a corporate representative or entrepreneur working in the student’s area of career interest or versed in areas of professional development.  Because the relationship develops over the course of the academic year, mentors have opportunities to vary the setting, duration, and focus of meetings.  Typically, mentors communicate with students monthly in a variety of formats which can include luncheons with colleagues, networking receptions, full day “shadowing” experiences, and telephone or e-mail conversations.

The School also hosts regular roundtables giving students an opportunity to interact with other mentors on topics related to their field.  The first roundtable held on Oct. 21, focused on finance, banking and real estate.