What is a Student Mentee?
A student mentee is a Missouri School of Journalism student who has completed at least one year of college and seeks valuable knowledge, insight and guidance from a journalism or strategic communication organization mentor or a Missouri School of Journalism alumni mentor regarding his/her professional growth and development. The student mentee is an equal partner in the mentoring relationship, and must play an active role in his/her own development.
What are the Benefits of Having a Mentor?
The mentoring relationship allows the student mentee to receive valuable guidance to enhance their professional growth and career development. Specifically, the mentoring relationship enables the student mentee to:
- Gain knowledge and a realistic perspective on career paths and professional work life;
- Receive individual recognition and encouragement;
- Obtain supportive, positive, honest and constructive feedback;
- Learn from the life and work experience of the mentor;
- Obtain stronger workplace skills and competencies;
- Enhance networking opportunities with professionals in chosen career field; and
- Have a trusted confidant to discuss educational and professional matters.
What are the Responsibilities of the Student Mentee?
To obtain the greatest benefits from the mentoring relationship, student mentees should:
- Demonstrate commitment and time to the mentoring program experience;
- Show an interest in learning from their assigned mentor;
- Demonstrate a willingness to accept constructive feedback;
- Identify specific mentoring needs and goals;
- Maintain confidentiality of conversation with mentor; and
- Commit to communicate at least once per month with mentor.