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?
When it comes to success – both in business and in life – character matters. And all of us need assistance from others to acquire self-awareness about our character. Mentors in the Business Honors Program 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. Mentorship is a foundational element of the BHP in line with the mission of preparing students to be advocates and exemplars of an understanding of business as an honorable enterprise that contributes to the integral development of society, serving the common good of all.
How Does It Work?
Each student is paired with a mentor, typically a Notre Dame graduate student, young professional, or recent graduate of the BHP. 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. These meetings are an opportunity to grow not only academically, but in one's character as well. 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.”