It was a simple discovery, but one that changed the course of SJNY student Izabella Packer’s educational journey at the University.
While attending a club fair last spring, the Criminal Justice and Journalism & New Media Studies double major learned about SJNY Connect’s Mentoring Program from staffers in the Office of Alumni Engagement. The Brooklyn Campus student immediately enrolled and says now that her experience so far in the program will help her better launch her career once she graduates in May.
“Since joining, I’ve developed an exceptional relationship with my mentor, who has become an invaluable ally on my academic and career journey,” Packer ’24 said. “She encourages me to explore opportunities beyond my comfort zone and provides valuable information and guidance at every turn.
“I am incredibly grateful to have access to this program and look forward to building new connections as I forge my path into the future,” she added.
The spring edition of the Mentoring Program kicks off on Feb. 6, on the heels of celebrating January as National Mentoring Month. Open to all SJNY alumni and students, the program facilitates mentoring relationships that help set mentees up for success in their future careers and life beyond St. Joseph’s University. The program — which runs this spring until April 30 — enables alumni to share their professional and personal experience and expertise with current students and young alumni.
Click here for full details on the Mentoring Program.
The only requirement is that participants register on SJNYconnect.
“I have had the privilege of working with some of the brightest and most talented students – helping them be better prepared as they explore their early career options and future graduate studies,” said Scott Wright ’09, corporate vice president in Office of the CIO at New York Life Insurance Company. “In working with students to highlight their unique talents and abilities, I’ve witnessed them develop a greater sense of confidence and purpose as they step off the SJNY campus.”
Wright earned a business administration bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s Long Island Campus.
“The opportunity to work with alumni mentors is an incredibly powerful tool that can help students refine their interview skills, seek impartial guidance, identify personal strengths, and navigate the labor market with greater confidence and success,” he said. “I cannot recommend this program enough to current students. The opportunity to work with experienced alumni mentors can help students to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce and attain their goals.”
Who can be a mentor?
Mentors are alumni who are passionate about sharing their time, knowledge and resources with current students and fellow alumni. Offering insight and broader perspectives based on real-world experience during key decision-making times, alumni mentors can help provide structure to their mentee’s life, plan for next steps in their career and help them build their professional networks.
Who can be a mentee?
Mentees are current students or young alumni looking for guidance as they navigate their SJNY journey, embark upon their career, consider a career change or explore graduate school. Mentees want to grow professionally, learn skills, explore career paths and expand their professional networks.
It is important to note that mentees are responsible for initiating the conversation with their mentors and are encouraged to connect with their mentors at least 3 times throughout their established relationship.
