Alumni Mentorship Program

The Alumni Mentorship Program, AMP, is a newly developed program designed by thefaculty and alumni of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. Its goal is to foster BBA student growth, professional development, inspiration, support, education, sharing of wisdom, networking, and connections. AMP serves as a forum where BBA students can learn real-world business practices under the guidance of seasoned professionals.


What is the purpose of AMP?

The AMP program forms professional relationships intended to help students transition from the world of academia to the world of work. It offers an opportunity for professional development, networking, and an exchange of ideas between SU alumni and SU seniors.


What is the process involved?

AMP invitation and applications will be mailed out to BSB alumni and senior students in late September. As completed applications are received, each BBA student applicant in the program will be notified with the contact information of their respective mentor match. The student mentees then initiate contact with their SU alumni mentor.


What is expected from the AMP matches?

The relationships of matches in the AMP program are designed to be flexible in nature. The program does not set rules on the amount of time matches spend together. However, we hope the relations will be viewed as productive and rewarding by both the mentor and the mentee. We recommend that mentors and mentees meet initially face-to-face shortly after the matches are confirmed to kickoff their new relationship. After the initially meeting, some matches may choose to continue regular communications by means of email and/or telephone whereas other matches may choose to communicate occasionally. Once more, relations are to be shaped on the basis of what is agreed upon by and what works for both the student and the mentor.


Characteristics for AMP Participants

To ensure a successful interaction, mentors and mentees
should exhibit basic characteristics as follows:

  • High personal standards
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Respect and trust
  • Communications and active listening skills
  • Responsibility and commitment
  • Patience, flexibility, and empathy

Expectations of the Mentors:

  • Discuss your goals and objectives for
    the relationship
  • Establish the preferred methods of
  • communication (meeting/email/phone)
  • Assist the student in their professional development
  • Offer suggestions and feedback
  • Inform student of his or her progress
  • Serve as a resource to the student
  • Encourage your mentee to explore new opportunities
  • Follow-up on commitments
  • Be available to communicate regularly or as established between you and the student

Mentee Responsibilities:

  • Initiate contact with your mentor and establish guidelines for future communication
  • Learn about specific jobs, career paths, corporate cultures, and industries
  • Receive advice related to your career path
  • Accept advice and feedback without becoming defensive
  • Communicate with your mentor on a regular basis
  • Be realistic about the expectations you place upon your mentor
  • Understand your mentor’s expectation of you
  • Explore opportunities presented to you by your mentor
  • Regularly thank your mentor for his/her time!

Potential Activities for Matches:

  • Get to know each other
  • Engage in career conversations
  • Critique the student’s resume
  • Discuss interview techniques
  • Explore internship and/or job search tips
  • Attend a company tour, or “shadow” your mentor for a day
  • Introduce student to business contacts
  • Provide current economic condition and job market information…prepare your student for the reality of the market
  • Attend company meetings, planning sessions, professional association meetings, or other events together
  • Provide job listings or information for ‘head hunters’


Program Contact Information:

AMP Administrator
Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business
Shenandoah University
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA 22601
ampbsb@su.edu



AMP Faculty/Alumni Advisors:

Dr. Yvonne Chen
Dr. Travis Sample
Mr. Nathan Windle
Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business
Shenandoah University

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