“I see myself in Angell. She reminds me of who I was when I was in graduate school – pushing her way through all of the challenges and reaching for her dreams,” said Milli Herring, mentor in the Bryan School MBA Mentoring program and Financial Center Manager at Truliant Federal Credit Union.
Angell Jenkins, a first year MBA student and Herring are among 30 partners participating in the 2019-2020 MBA mentoring program. “Angell keeps me on my toes by exposing me to her fresh perspective while showing her eagerness to learn about life in the business world. She says things that spark my lightbulb to come on. We both benefit greatly,” Herring added.
MBA mentors serve as role models and help current, full-time graduate students gain experience in job-searching, networking, and resume-building. They also help their mentees understand the connection between classroom concepts and industry practices. Mentees can offer their mentors a fresh perspective.
Second-year MBA student Casi McDaniel is being mentored by Lisa Morrison, Executive Vice President of Leasing at the Tanger Outlet Centers®. She enjoys the honest feedback and guidance. “A mentor is different from a friend or family member – she can be more honest and direct, talk about uncertainties and stresses and give me a more realistic mindset.”
McDaniel came into her mentorship with a fixed idea about what she wanted to achieve regarding the kind of organization she wanted to work for and the salary and title she expected. “Lisa got me thinking about what I really like to do, and what kind of company will be a great fit for me. This opened me up to have a much broader view of what I want, and where I’m willing to look.”
As a mentor, Morrison focuses on McDaniel’s goals and desires. By introducing her to different department heads within the company, McDaniel has more networking opportunities and a bigger picture of career options.
“Casi came into our mentoring relationship with defined outcomes that she wants from our relationship and this has given us direction and meaning,” Morrison said. “It’s exciting to be around young and bright students with open minds and a readiness to change the world. We mentors empower young people by being a sounding board for their thoughts and plans. Guiding them through one of life’s major transitions is extremely rewarding.” All mentoring pairs meet face-to-face every month and speak more often.
Herring reflects on her professional mentors who helped her through her own networking process. “This program is valuable because it aligns students with professionals who will push them to the next level to help them define and reach their goals, dreams and aspirations. These students are really fortunate to have this opportunity – as are their mentors. We all benefit.”
Business professionals interested in serving as a mentor to MBA students during the 2020-2021 academic year can contact Megan Parker at 336.256.0390 or mkparker@uncg.edu for more information.
