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by Slava Thaler
Each year, thousands of students choose a major, a decision that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many do not assess the likelihood of getting a job in their selected major. Upon graduation, they find that employment opportunities in their field are scarce. By then, though, it's too late. The Institute of Technology has attempted to solve this problem by offering a mentor program to assist students in making career decisions.
Begun in 1991 by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, the IT mentor program matches undergraduates with alumni who work in fields of interest to the students. The program is beneficial to both parties, said Frank Robertson, Director of Alumni Relations in the Institute of Technology. "It provides a mentor for as many students as would like to have one. That's the primary goal. It also helps to keep our alumni involved in the affairs of the University."
Students work with mentors to make career choices and find contacts. In contrast to looking through a course catalog or IT bulletin, the mentor program "is a way of making a one-on-one contact with someone. The important thing is that students have someone who is currently or has been in careers that they want to pursue," Robertson said. Christine Siebenshuh, a mentor, added, "It's good to have someone that's working out in the field to talk with students, prepare them, or let them know how it is to be in the workplace in a particular field."
Because the transition from college to work can be very difficult, knowing someone who has gone through the process is comforting. "I'm still communicating with my student from last year. I think it's helpful for her that we can get together," Siebenshuh said.
The IT mentor program benefits mentors as well. "It was an opportunity for me to get back to campus, which I don't normally do," mentor Mike Cepek said. "It's a way I can stay connected with the U." The program also allows mentors to give something back to the University community. "All of us like it when we can help someone, and this is a very real, meaningful way that people can help other people," Robertson said.
The growth of the program has been steady. "We had about 34 mentors and 45 students in 1992-1993," Robertson said. "During the following year, we had 94 students and 156 mentors." To strengthen mentor/student relationships, IT sponsors "a kickoff event in January where we have different speakers. In the past, we've had a tour of the Geometry Center for mentors and students. For two years, we've had a networking seminar," Robertson said. Mentors and students are encouraged to meet at least three times, one of which usually occurs at the mentor's workplace. For many students, seeing what working in the industry is really like is the most valuable experience of the program.
If you are interested in participating in the IT mentor program next fall, contact Cindy Kilmore in 128 Lind Hall.
