Emerson College Board of Overseers Mentoring Program

“The Board of Overseers sees itself as bringing the realities of the Arts and Communications fields to current students. Our new mentoring program will allow us to work with students early in their professional development to guide them in looking for opportunities. It’s our way of giving back to Emerson.”

— Al Jaffe, Vice President of Talent Negotiation and Production Recruitment at ESPN, member of the Emerson College Board of Trustees and a former member of the Emerson College Board of Overseers.

Award winners such as Emerson Board of Overseers member and Tony Award winner Bonnie Comley, thank their family, friends, and colleagues when accepting their awards. Additionally, they also thank the people who have helped guide them to where they are today: their mentors.

If you are interested in getting some help from people who share the same passion as you do, consider applying to be a participant in the Emerson Board of Overseers Mentoring Program. If selected, you will be matched with a mentor who has had proven success in your professional interest.

How Do I Apply?

The Initial Application Process
The application is due electronically to Ken Mattsson, Mentor Program Administrator by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2010. The application consists of three main sections:

• The electronic application (includes five short questions and an essay question)
• Three references of people who have an experience of why you are an exceptional candidate (emailed directly to Ken Mattsson), and
• A copy of your official Emerson College transcript, available from the Registrar’s Office. (Note: this is the only part of the application that is not electronically delivered.)
  

The Steps In The Selection Process

1. Career Services staff will review all applications, and will call the top 30 candidates in for 15 minutes interviews.
2. The top 18 finalists will be then chosen to present themselves to the Board of Overseers Selection Committee, which will include a one-minute presentation, and five minutes of questions. (Note: Presentation trainings will be made available to all students who progress to this stage.)
3. The Selection Committee will select 10 students to participate in the program.

The application will be available for download in November. After completing the application, submit the completed application to Ken Mattsson at Career Services via e-mail by Monday, January 27, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Many Students Will Be Chosen?

We will select approximately 10-12 students for this year.

What Is The Selection Committee Looking For?

Focus and Passion. They are looking for the spark that shows that you are exceptional. As industry professionals, they know that what makes someone successful in the professionals is that drive to be great, so we are looking for those students who can show that.

Is a Good Grade Point Average/Honors/Dean’s List Important?

While it’s always great to show that you are exceptional academically, the Selection Committee knows that maybe a student with focus and passion needs a little help to get set in their studies. A combination of the two always impresses the Selection Committee.

Who is Eligible?

Current First Year and Sophomore students.

Who Should I Have Write My Recommendations, and What Should They Write?

Get three people who have an experience of working with you, and who can talk about you doing great things. We want to see the passion and focus for you come through in their recommendations too! While you can have Emerson College staff and faculty write recommendations for you, it’s always more impressive to see that you have many people in many different venues with whom you have worked.

Who Will Be The Mentors?

Alumni of Emerson College and/or Industry Professionals who have relationships with Emerson College. Mentors will be matched depending upon the professional interests of the students.

How Long Will My Mentor And I Work Together?

The official relationship between the mentor and student will last two years. We encourage you to continue your relationship after your formal mentoring relationship ends.

What Will The Mentor Do For Me?

The responsibilities of the mentor:

• Will meet face-to-face with student once per year
• Schedule regular phone meetings at least three times per year (monthly meetings encouraged)
• Be available for questions via phone and e-mail
• Will discuss career goals and develop a career development plan
• Introduce student to people and organizational resources in his/her area of professional interest

What Is The Student Role?

The responsibilities of the student:

• Will be available for face-to-face meetings with mentor once a year
• Will participate in regular phone meetings at least three times per year (monthly meetings encouraged)
• Will be present at all meetings and calls
• Will complete all projects assigned by mentor
• Will act in a professional manner at all times

For More Info:

Attend one of the Information Sessions that will be scheduled in November and December.

Or contact Ken Mattsson, Mentor Program Administrator, Career Services, 617.824.8586, kenneth_mattsson@emerson.edu