Mentoring
Orient your life in business towards the true good through regular, one-on-one, in-person mentorship conversations.
Mentoring
“I especially liked the non-transactional, contemplative approach to our chats. They were growth-focused, curious, and relational. I felt more grounded, more present, and more assured after each session regarding the direction in which I was headed, not just in my career, but life.”
In the Business Honors Program, we believe that in order to grow the good in business, we must first and foremost grow the good in ourselves and do so without ceasing. This requires a daily effort of developing virtue in our own personal lives and choosing to live integrated lives with our work. As we develop strong technical skills through intellectual challenge in our courses, we take the time to develop our character, virtue, and capacity for prudence.
Why Mentoring?
Mentoring in the Business Honors Program is not meant to be academic mentoring or tutoring, but rather an opportunity for professional and personal growth. The most successful and holistically rounded leaders all attribute their success to somebody outside of themselves--a life coach, personal mentor, spiritual director, accountability partner, etc.--as it is often the case that others can lend us a new perspective on our pain points, areas for growth, and opportunities to face challenges and take risks. Mentors are tasked with the special mission of positively challenging each student as an individual to make the most of his or her unique talents; to form career goals within the wider context of life goals that include relationships with others; and to think critically about themselves in order to uncover opportunities for personal growth.
How Does It Work?
Each student is paired with a mentor, usually young professionals who are just a bit ahead of the students in their lives and/or careers (local young professionals, Notre Dame MBA or other graduate students, as well as other local leaders in South Bend). The student and mentor are required to meet at least twice every semester (but many pairs meet more often than this). These conversations can take place over coffee, a meal, or on a walk around campus, and are an opportunity to articulate one's worldview, hopes and dreams, fears and concerns, to someone who will listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions and provide helpful perspective. It is our sincere hope that, through mentoring in the BHP, students will in turn become trusted advisors and mentors themselves, both in their own careers and personal lives.
“One especially valuable part of the experience has been the ability to discuss bigger, more abstract life questions in a setting that feels both safe and constructive.”
“When we met, we didn’t talk about investment banking, recruiting, or classes. Instead, he asked about me, my goals, my interests, and where I saw myself in a few years. These were questions I had never really been asked before. Up to that point, every conversation seemed to be about someone else and learning their story, but this time, I had the opportunity to reflect on my own. At first, I didn’t even know how to respond. I’d been so focused on following the expected path and pushing myself nonstop that I had lost touch with what I actually loved, what I valued, and who I really was. But after taking some time to reflect on the questions and think about myself, I realized who I actually was.”
“The sessions with [my mentor] were deeply rich, both personally and professionally. Most impressive was the way our conversations surpassed superficial suggestions or criticisms of my resume. Instead of staying strictly in the arena of career destination, [my mentor] challenged me to investigate what kind of person I am at a deep level, what is important to me, what gets me excited, and what kind of difference I want to make in the world. That kind of introspection allowed me to reconsider not only how I approached hiring, but how I even measured success, too. His questions made me pause, look inward, and concentrate on what matters most to me, something that I never had time for amidst the chaos of a hectic semester.”
“Last semester, I was torn between consulting and investment banking, and my mentor helped guide me through the decision—not by giving me the answer, but by asking the right questions… Having someone walking with me through my college journey and who listens with care has been one of the most meaningful parts of the program for me.”
Interested in becoming a mentor?
We welcome Notre Dame graduate students, recent alumni and young professionals living in and around South Bend to consider becoming mentors with the Business Honors Program. Interested candidates can fill out the Business Honors Program - Mentor Application. We are looking for men and women who can genuinely support the mission of the Business Honors Program to, together with our students, gain a greater understanding of the moral purpose of business in society, considering the ways in which it can contribute to integral human development, putting business at the service of authentic human flourishing. Mentors serve this mission at the level of the individual student, engaging in one-on-one conversations oriented towards the entire life-project (faith, family, friendships, meaningful work, ideals, etc.).