Even with COVID-19 social-distancing restrictions in place, students are cultivating real connections in these virtual times. Seattle Pacific’s Mentor Program is connecting students with customized mentors to talk about the students’ professional futures.
Year-round, locally, nationwide, and internationally, SPU’s robust mentor programming is continuing as usual, with these adaptations:
- Once accepted to the program, students complete their 75–90 minute interview and orientation virtually.
- Students who apply for the Job Shadow track may be matched with a host at any time, but their in-person meeting deferred until compliant with current protocols.
- Students on the Mentor and Career 360 tracks meet with their mentors and lead mentors virtually for the foreseeable future.
Even with these adaptations, students are benefiting from meaningful outcomes. In fact, we asked Seattle-native senior Ann Lam to tell us about her experiences this Autumn Quarter:
What’s your major?
Ann Lam: I’m a double major in business administration: information systems and apparel merchandising.
What were you looking for, or hoping for, when you applied to the Mentor Program?
As a first-generation college student, I wanted to learn more about navigating internships, graduate school, and job applications. I also wanted a mentor within the fashion industry, so I could learn more about all the various roles in the fashion industry.
How has your experience changed since the Covid-19 and the shift to a virtual environment?
When Kerry, a fashion buyer at Zulily, and I began meeting, we met over Zoom. All our meetings have been over Zoom, and it works perfectly with our schedules, because she works full time and I’m a busy college student.
Obviously, I wish we could meet in person. But the pandemic has created changes in all areas, including mentoring experiences.
How has your mentor helped as you navigate your professional development and trajectory in uncertain times?
Having a mentor as I work toward landing a full-time job position after my June 2021 graduation has been a blessing during the middle of a pandemic, but also a daunting experience. I’m glad Kerry and I were able to talk about salary negotiation, how I can leverage my offer in other job interviews, and many other interviewing tips.
How has your mentor addressed your questions and concerns?
At one point, I was extremely worried about not meeting the “x+” amount years of work experience for job postings. Kerry told me not to worry about “under-qualified,” but instead speak to my leadership and work experiences I do have.
How do you feel about the experience now? What are the outcomes you’re seeing and experiencing?
I’m glad I have Kerry as a mentor. I can see all three outcomes being met — staying in contact with Kerry over the coming years, learning more about fashion roles, and this mentorship playing a role in my landing a future role.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Having a mentor/networking is so important! As I’m looking at fashion buyer roles at both Zulily and Nordstrom for post-graduation, I’m realizing that these are both places my mentor Kerry has worked and has connections.
If your student is interested in connecting with a mentor, encourage your student to apply now. You can also check out additional Student Stories to hear more about the Mentor Program.