TRANSFORMATIVE MENTORING

Business professionals mentor MSUM students

AMinnesota State University Moorhead education lays the foundation for career success, but its Executive Mentorship Program encapsulates it into a transformative mentoring experience that greatly elevates students’ career preparation.

“It’s a great program,” said Sarah Sakrison, a recruiter for Evolution1 and a volunteer with the Executive Mentorship Program. “I wish I had it when I was in college.”

“Our goal is to help students develop their confidence and poise,” said Jane Pettinger, coordinator of MSUM’s Executive Mentorship Program and assistant professor of management. “Through professional one-on-one mentoring, students can sharpen their focus and efforts in transitioning from college to professional work.”

Students are introduced to various industries; acquainted with the functional responsibilities of a particular position; encouraged to explore culture fit with companies of interest; and advised on leadership development.

Students say it’s one of the best classes offered to transition from college student to working professional.

“Before this class, I had never considered career options, didn’t have a resume, didn’t have professional goals, had never spoken with a professional in my potential career field, and had never toured a potential employer’s office. In one semester this all changed,” said Eric Krupke, a business administration and finance major.

From a recruitment standpoint, making connections in the business environment is essential.

“If we don’t have an open position, maybe I can connect them with someone in our industry who is looking to hire,” Sakrison said. “Building connections and relationships is extremely important.”

Executive mentors help students:

• Learn from experienced business professionals

• Explore specific jobs, career paths and industries

• Network in professional environments

• Identify action steps to achieve career goals

• Elevate confidence, focus and professional presence

Business administration major Peyton Glodrey says the program helped her improve communication skills, network with professionals, and develop a solid resume.

“This program really helped me break out of my comfort zone,” Glodrey said. “I knew that I really needed to work on my speaking skills and I improved leaps and bounds in this area.”

This class is similar to expensive, intensive professional coaching, with the added benefit of connecting with area business leaders.

MSUM alumnus John Machacek, senior vice president of finance and entrepreneurial development at Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC, is in his second year as a volunteer mentor.

“I primarily do it to give back to the school, but more so to ease my mentee’s transition from student to the workforce. Until you’ve been out in the real world and out of the classroom, there is so much new knowledge to experience,” Machacek said. “It would have been nice to have a mentor when I was getting ready to graduate.”

A variety of coaching and mentoring activities are offered to students, such as one-on-one time with a dedicated mentor, community service opportunities, networking experiences, job shadowing, plus many more professional development opportunities.

“I’ve been surprised at the quality of the business education at MSUM. While the core curriculum has always been known to be excellent, the level of commitment and caring on the part of administrators and professors is surprising to me,” said Kim Kaul, vice president, senior credit administrator at BlackRidge Bank. “These folks really care about seeing their students excel in the classroom and then doing well after their education is complete. I can’t imagine a better place to obtain a business education.”