STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 

The Penn State College of Communications mentoring program will provide a one-to-one relationship between a College of Communications student and a Communications professional until the student's graduation. The purpose is to provide additional guidance, exposure and information related to that studentŐs pursuit of life goals.

 

 

A MENTOR IS NOT

 

A parent

A professional counselor

An employment counselor

A social worker

 

If you think you have problems that would require the resources of one of the above, please contact them, rather than your mentor.

 

 

TIPS TO REMEMBER

 

  1. Have fun with the relationship, but keep it professional.
  2. Be yourself.
  3. Share your student experiences.
  4. Ask if your mentor would mind critiquing your work, such as articles, photographs, graphics, advertising pitches, and the like. Such feedback from someone in the field you hope to enter could prove invaluable.
  5. Keep in mind that confidential information about you will not be discussed with anyone.
  6. Discuss guidelines with your mentor, such as appropriate times for both of you to call, how to handle appointments that must be broken, etc.
  7. Never ask to borrow money.
  8. Do not break appointments unless it is absolutely necessary, especially at the beginning of a mentoring relationship.
  9. Be patient.
  10. Be flexible.
  11. Be grateful. If your mentor takes the time to critique a story, photograph or advertising pitch, thank them.
  12. DonŐt set unrealistic expectations.

 

 

 

CLOSURE

 

            As with any relationship, this one will change, and the time will come when one or both parties need to move on. Closure will depend on the reasons surrounding the circumstances of the relationship, such as graduation, etc. If possible, you and your mentor should plan a final meeting to conclude the relationship, talk over feelings about graduation or whatever circumstance makes continuing the relationship impossible. However, because of e-mail, it is entirely possible that you and your mentor might maintain contact for the indefinite future. If so, congratulations. That could mean your mentor has become more than a student: he or she is now a peer and a friend.