Mentoring to Give Back and Stay Connected with SU

On What Got Him Into the Albers Mentor Program

I graduated from Seattle University with an MBA in 2008 and loved the whole experience. I wanted to stay involved with SU and Albers, so I jumped when the opportunity came up. I’ve been a mentor for 15 years now. Each year I’ve had one to three mentees. I’d guess I’ve had 25 or so over that time.

His Experience as a Mentor

The most positive aspects have been getting to know the students and helping them to achieve their goals after graduating from SU. On the not so positive side, a few students haven’t taken much initiative in setting up meetings or engaging in the process.

One mentee, unbeknownst to me, told Albers Dean Joe Phillips that I would be a great adjunct professor and was interested in teaching. That resulted in me teaching in the MBA program for three years.

Another mentee had a goal of moving to the Netherlands after graduation. He requested me as his mentor because I’d previously lived there for four years I went to his birthday/going away party before he moved, then visited him in Amsterdam when my wife and I were there a year later.

What Students are Looking for in Mentorship

I’ve found that most mentees want advice and guidance on the overall process of finding a job. That includes interviewing, resume building and networking. Most haven’t done much networking, so I put a lot of emphasis on that.

Advice He'd Give Anyone Considering Being a Mentor

I have found it very fulfilling. It can be scary at first, but the Albers team does a great job supporting mentors with training, meeting ideas, and bringing mentors together to share their experiences.