February 2015 Save the date and reply today for April 23 closing program Join fellow participants and faculty partners for breakfast to celebrate the formal conclusion of the mentor program on Thursday, April 23, at the Lunda Room in the Alumni Memorial Union. Learn more and reply here Networking reception demonstrates strength of mentor, mentee and faculty partnership Co-hosted by Dean Richard C. Holz of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, nearly 30 mentors, mentees and faculty attended a Jan. 29 networking event held in Sensenbrenner Hall. The event provided a mix of networking and learning about campus activities from university faculty partners. “We’re most appreciative of the alumni mentors who are helping their mentees with solid and thoughtful career insights through this program,” says Dean Holz. “The mentors' commitment, the students taking full advantage of this relationship and the support of our faculty partners have been catalysts in the program’s success.” Mentor David Kern, Arts '76, and a partner at Quarles & Brady LLP, considered the gathering beneficial. “The reception was a great opportunity to connect with my mentee (Claudia Brokish, Arts '15), and also to share and hear about other participants’ experiences” he says. Consider these mentor/mentee conversation topics For mentees Spring break is March 9-13. Can you shadow your mentor? Has your mentor reviewed your resume? How are you and your mentor progressing toward the goals you initially set? Is it necessary to make an adjustment or two? What are two professional development opportunities your mentor suggest you consider prior to the end of the semester? Encourage them to attend the April 23 mentor program finale at the AMU. Their insights can also help other program participants and it’s likely, they’ll learn a thing or two from you. For mentors Spring break is March 9-13. Can your mentee shadow you if they haven't done so? What is your mentee doing now in preparation for summer or post-graduation to support their career objectives? Many Marquette students are involved in service projects. What suggestions can you offer in terms of how you view volunteering as a professional? What are the positives? Any drawbacks?   Encourage them to attend the April 23 mentor program finale at the AMU to meet other participants but also to enhance their networking skills. Five Questions With...Lisa Ross, Jour '84 (Lauren Holman, Comm '16, mentee) 1. Why are you serving in the MUAA Mentor Program? I'm paying it back and paying it forward. I had great mentors at Marquette, way before the word "mentor" was in vogue. Furthermore, I am a talent scout and the better prepared a Marquette student is, the better it is for my company and my industry. 2. What suggestions do you have for mentees? Be impressive and listen. 3. If you’ve had a mentor, what’s one piece of advice that sticks with you every day? Love, if not make the most of the job you are in even if it's not what you wanted or expected. You will never get to the next job unless you do this one well. Read Lisa's full interview. Five Questions With...appears in the monthly mentor newsletter and the online mentor toolbox. Semester break provides shadowing opportunity Winter break provided mentee Jennifer Castilleja, Eng ’17, the opportunity to travel to Chicago and shadow her mentor Aleisha Jaeger, Eng ’03, and vice president, Construction Operations manager, at Epstein. “The opportunity to network with Aleisha and learn about CREW (Commercial Real Estate Industry by Advancing the Achievements of Women) made the trip a valuable experience,” Jennifer says. Survey says: Participants provide mid-point program feedback Thanks to nearly 65 program participants who shared their experiences through last month’s mid-point survey. Results will help provide support for participants and demonstrate program outcomes. Among key findings: Mentor/mentee experience to date - 33% excellent, 36% very good, 19% good “(Learning from my mentor) has been one of the best experiences from my time at Marquette.” “This has been a very rewarding experience as a mentor. I am impressed with the professionalism and talent of my mentee. It's a testimony to the quality of students being educated at Marquette and those selected for this program.” Among most beneficial topics to date - Networking, graduate school options, choosing a career path and resume review Biggest challenges thus far   - Meeting times, speaking regularly, none Marquette staff support/communication/resources -70% excellent, 22% very good; 8% good Average monthly mentor newsletter open rate: 81%. Get more conversation topics with your mentee/mentor. Visit the MUAA Mentor Program website for more information or contact Dan DeWeerdt at daniel.deweerdt@marquette.edu or (414) 288-4740.