“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”
John C. Crosby
Few people have yet to know the benefits of mentoring – a power free, two-way mutually beneficial relationship between two individuals which brings about career development and professional growth.
The revival of mentoring over the last decade was evident among the 135 alumni and students gathered at The Basement on 31st August 2016 at the Alumni Mentoring Programme's first-ever Information Session. Designed as an informal prelude to the formal five-month programme, this evening was for SMU undergraduate and postgraduate students, and alumni to learn more about the programme. More importantly, both groups had the opportunity to meet face-to-face to establish personal connections which form the basis of a successful mentoring relationship.
Director, Office of Alumni Relations, Associate Professor Low Aik Meng, kicked-off the evening feeling encouraged by the overwhelming response. He began by exhorting to all alumni to give of their time and talent to become mentors, and thanked returning mentors for their commitment to the programme. To this, he reminded the students to be responsible and committed to the mentoring relationship, adding that mentors were giving of their precious time to help develop the professional skills of the former.
Following this was a brief presentation on the programme details, and “how-to” become a mentor/mentee, along with tips on using the Alumni Mentoring Online System. Over dinner and drinks, students gravitated towards 7 industry- and 2 post-graduate (MBA and MWM) clusters to interact with alumni.
About the Alumni Mentoring Programme
The Alumni Mentoring Programme was started in 2010 with a vision to foster closer ties between students and alumni. Primarily, it aims to provide SMU students with an opportunity to learn from alumni's experiences, personal insights, knowledge, and know-how. Into its sixth year, this flagship programme has attracted 700 alumni who volunteer their time and talent as mentors to about 1,000 student mentees. Started on 1 September 2016, the 13th run of the programme is currently open for applications.
Why be a Mentor?
As a mentor, you will gain a unique opportunity to develop valuable mentoring skills that will help you grow important leadership experience. Past mentors have also expressed that the programme provides them the chance to reflect on their own career goals and aspirations. By sharing your expertise, you not only help shape the future career of our SMU students, but also gain a mutually-beneficial experience.
Interested to make a difference? Apply here