Making Mentees' Journeys a Little Easier

On What Got Her Into the Albers Mentor Program

I started mentoring in 2011, shortly after finishing my MBA in 2010. I’ve had 27 mentees since then. I loved my time at Albers and the Career Center is so well run.

Mentoring was a way for me to stay connected with both organizations and an opportunity to give back and help in any way I can. I am a first-generation college student and the first person in my family to pursue a career in business. There were times I felt a little lost and didn’t know where to go for questions or, frankly, I felt too embarrassed to ask. If I can help other students who may be going through the same thing and make their journey a little easier, that is very rewarding.

Her Experience as a Mentor

I’ve enjoyed being paired with students who have a passion for my profession in human resources as well as exploring what they want to do next.

I’ve had many positive experiences, including some of my mentees choosing to pursue an internship or job at PACCAR. It’s been fun to see them grow at the company I’m so passionate about. I think the most memorable interaction is when I had a mentee follow up with me a couple years after she graduated to discuss two different career opportunities she was contemplating, and she wasn’t sure what to do. I’ve watched her career blossom on LinkedIn.

What Students are Looking for in Mentorship

My approach is to understand the student’s goals for the Mentor Program and also get a feel for their career goals. I then try and tailor the meetings to achieve those goals.

I am often paired up with MBA students who didn’t study business in undergrad and are trying to figure out what career path is right for them. I can really relate because I got a BA in psychology. I find these students really want and need exposure to the vast variety of career paths available to them, so I set them up with informational interviews. I also find students appreciate tips on polishing up their resumes.

I don’t know everything, so I love introducing students to my colleagues at PACCAR in different areas of the business. This exposes the students to a wide variety of career opportunities that they may not be aware of.

A hallmark of being one of my mentees is touring our amazing Kenworth truck manufacturing facility so they can see the world’s best trucks being assembled. I try and line up the tour when students are taking their operations course so they can see what they are learning in real time.

The only struggle I’ve had with the Mentor Program is if students don’t follow up in a timely manner when I’m trying to arrange meetings for them. I learned the importance of setting the expectation to follow up with me quickly during our first meeting and really haven’t had issues since.

Advice She'd Give Anyone Considering Being a Mentor

I would say give it a chance! Sometimes it feels like, how can I fit one more thing in my calendar, which I totally understand as an executive working mom of two busy boys, but what you get back in return is well worth the investment.