Within Seidman College of Business, the departments of Management,  Finance, and Economics Professional Mentorship Program partners local professionals one-to-one with Grand Valley State University management and finance students for career preparation. Mentors and their students will meet throughout the academic year to discuss everything from choosing the best career fit to their post-graduation life.

Our Mentors:

Mentors will provide another voice that stresses the importance of a strong academic ethic that will translate into workforce success. They will encourage students to watch them in action and provide them an insider look into the industry of their future.

The ultimate goal of this program, much like the university’s, is educating students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies.

By participating in this mentorship program, you are helping position our future leaders for a leg up on success.

Our Students:

Your mentor will provide another voice that stresses the importance of a strong academic ethic that will translate into workforce success. They will encourage you to watch them in action and provide them an insider look into the industry of their future.

As you meet with your mentor throughout the academic year, we ask that you approach each session with an open mind and in a position to learn--even if they are not in your industry of choice, they have something you can learn.

Stages of a Mentoring Relationship

Stages of Mentoring Relationship doc

American Psychological Association: Introduction to Mentoring: A Guide for Mentors and Mentees

Mentoring Millennials : 3 kinds of mentoring that will help millennials and you as a mentor!

Mentee Goal Form

Your Goals: a goal form to be filled out by student and discussed with mentor

Mentee Goal Form

Your Goals: A Reflection: another goal form that will provide space for personal and professional goal obtainment plans

Your Goals: A Reflection

Short and Long Term Goal Setting: do you have a clear idea or plan of what you want in the future? Use this tool to help put framework on it!

Short and Long Term Goal Setting

Goal-Setting: Developing a Vision & Goals for Your Career Plan: Having a clear vision of the end state we are trying to achieve before we take action to reach our goals is the key factor in accomplishing any goals that we set. 

Developing a Career Vision Statement

Defining a Mentoring Relationship (New Participants)

Planning for and Defining a Mentoring Relationship (New Mentees): This is a good reference place to start when wrapping your mind around what does it mean to be a mentor and mentee.

An article: How to Start a Mentorship Relationship by Chrissy Scivicque, Contributor (Forbes)

An article: A Guide to Understanding the Role of a Mentor by F. John Reh (the balance)

An Article: The Best Mentors Think Like Michelangelo by W. Brad Johnson & David G. Smith (HBR)

Seidman College of Business Undergraduate Programs Office:

Staff in the Seidman Undergraduate Programs office are the advisors for undergraduate business students. They offer a variety of services including: determining requirements needed for graduation, scheduling, internships, registration, and general problem solving, dropping or adding classes, declaring your Seidman major, course sequencing, study abroad, AND much, much more!

Seidman College of Business Academic Services Office

Grand Valley State Univ. Career Center:

From career planning to major exploration the Career Center has you covered by having convenient locations in both Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids. Schedule an appointment or drop-in during Time for Ten hours.

You have two Seidman College of Business Career Center advisors who will work with you to ensure you are on the right track for your career. 

Lori Staggs: Seidman College of Business (SCB 1029)

Megan Riksen: Seidman College of Business (SCB 1029)

Use the link above to make your appointment today!!

Seidman College of Business TRACKS:

TRACKS is Seidman College of Business professional development program. It is designed to provide Seidman students in-depth opportunities employers are seeking and to provide great networking opportunities.

The TRACKS Program is open to all Seidman students.

There is no formal application—simply come to one of the events and register. The TRACKS Program is divided into four categories, with unique events, workshops, or talks within each category.

For more information visit: Seidman College of Business TRACKS program