Mentoring the Next Generation of Executives
Confident. Connected. Going Places. Why do these words best describe the graduate students at Carnegie Mellon's Information Networking Institute? Our students work hard to get here and work hard while they are here. Each year, 100 percent of our students either join top companies and organizations or enter challenging PhD programs.
The INI builds strong industry partnerships, through programs such as the EWF Mentoring Program, to enrich the student experience. The relationships that a student builds along the way can make the difference between doing excellent work and accomplishing something extraordinary. A mentor can make the difference.
EWF Mentoring Program
Starting in 2007, the INI partnered with Alta Associates' Executive Women's Forum (EWF) to provide a mentoring program for members of the student organization Women@INI (WINI). With women as a minority in senior leadership positions in information technology and information security, the INI makes it a priority to expose women graduate students early on to leaders in their field.
The mentoring relationship requires some effort, but the potential exists for both parties to be rewarded. Students are enrolled in 2-year programs, and mentors should plan to commit to work with the student until she graduates. Participants commit to some or all of the responsibilities described below.
The Role of the EWF Mentor:
- Understands the mentee's goals and aspirations for the mentoring program
- Shares critical organizational knowledge and insights
- Offers encouragement and feedback
- Helps to identify potential growth experiences
- Is a role model
- Maintains open communication
- Determines the amount of time available for the relationship
The Role of the INI Student Mentee:
- Determines the amount of dependence or guidance she needs
- Maintains open communication
- Asks for constructive feedback on behaviors and ideas
- Establishes clear and realistic personal goals
- Takes initiative to use knowledge she gains and apply it to the workplace
Ground Rules for the Mentoring Relationship:
- Discuss any limits you must set for the partnership (e.g. time, availability, etc.)
- Decide on how you will meet--in person, by email, or by phone.
- Set a date for your first meeting and a schedule for subsequent meetings. The pair should plan to talk by phone or email about once per month.
- Decide on broad topics you plan to discuss, such as development opportunities, knowledge gathering, and sharing experiences.
- Consider any potential issues you might have.
Join Our Program
To join the EWF Mentoring Program, your first step is to take the Entry Survey. Through your response to this survey, the INI will work to find you a suitable match for your partnership:
Executives: please use the following link to complete your Entry Survey:
Students: please use the following link to complete your Entry Survey:
For more information about mentoring an INI student, contact Jennifer Burkett, Director of Recruitment, Corporate Relations and Career Services.
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