OSE BizConnect Overview

BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS MENTORING - SPRING 2025

The Business Foundations class (BUSN201) introduces students to basic business environments and business functions and practices and helps students gain an integrated awareness of business and practice analytical skills needed for their advanced business courses and careers.

Through our group mentoring experience, students have the chance to come together and learn from experienced professionals, putting their classroom learnings into practice and learning directly from business professionals.

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CORE OBJECTIVES

Build Confidence: Create a supportive space where students can confidently explore mentorship and career paths.
Discuss Personal Success Strategies: Explore strategies for achieving career success while maintaining personal holistic wellbeing and authenticity.
Create Meaningful Connections: Link students with alumni and corporate partners who can share how they’ve navigated the professional world and developed skills in communication, ethics, professionalism, and problem-solving.

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MENTOR EXPECTATIONS

Facilitate Discussions: Guide conversations and encourage everyone to participate. This experience may be the first time students are engaging in a mentoring relationship so they may be nervous to speak up.
Model Professionalism: Demonstrate the skills and behaviors expected in a professional setting to model the way for the students.
Maintain Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of the group members by keeping sensitive information shared in the mentoring sessions confidential.
Be Honest & Transparent: Share your experiences and insights openly, and encourage honesty from all participants to build trust and meaningful interactions.
Be Respectful: Value each participant's contributions and opinions. Maintain a supportive and considerate atmosphere by listening actively and acknowledging different viewpoints with kindness and professionalism.

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BENEFITS OF GROUP MENTORING

Easy and Supportive Environment: Group mentoring is a relaxed way for students to explore mentorship and dive into discussion. It helps create a friendly, low-pressure space where everyone can learn from each other.
Broaden Your Impact: Group mentoring allows you to reach and inspire more individuals at once. It’s a time-efficient way to share your expertise and make a positive difference.
Diverse Perspectives & Networking: Connect with a diverse group of students and gain fresh insights from their unique perspectives. This interaction also helps you expand your network by building meaningful relationships with the next generation of professionals.

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SPRING 2025 DETAILS

Opportunity: Engage virtually with a group of students to discuss navigating the business world. Virtual mentoring groups will consist of five students or less.

Commitment: Participate in three virtual class sessions during the spring semester and an in-person mixer at the end of the semester. We ask that mentors attend all three sessions and the end of semester mixer to establish a strong mentoring relationship.

This semester you have the opportunity to serve as a mentor in the Thursday morning class (Cohort 1) or the Tuesday afternoon class (Cohort 2). We ask that you make a commitment to join all three classes and in-person mixer within your cohort. The dates and times are as follows:

Cohort 1 - Professor Holly Jackson's BUSN201 class

Zoom classes: Thurs, Jan. 30, Thurs, Feb. 20 and Thurs, Apr. 3
In-person networking mixer: Thurs, Apr 24 in the Snead Hall Atrium
Time of virtual sessions and in-person mixer: 9:30AM – 10:45AM

Cohort 2 - Professor David Burke's BUSN201 class

Zoom classes: Tues, Feb. 5, Tues, Feb. 18 and Tues, Apr. 1
In-person networking mixer: Thurs, Apr. 24 in the Snead Hall Atrium
Time of virtual sessions and in-person mixer: 3:30PM – 4:45PM

Group mentoring topics:

Ethics & Social Responsibility
Ambition & Achievement
Teamwork & Hard Conversations

Sign up here by January 17!