Business-to-Student Mentoring Program Continues to Grow
Even the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop the interaction between industry mentors and students
Sacred Heart University’s Mentoring Visionary Pioneers (MVP) program, which matches industry mentors with students, just completed its second successful cycle, despite the shutdowns and social distancing resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mentors came from various organizations including KPMG, Red Hat, MasterCard, The Hartford, The Institute of World Politics and more. They conducted monthly, one-on-one sessions online, guiding the students as they developed the skills and networks necessary for career success.
This year, six academic programs and student clubs joined MVP: social work, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, government, Black Student Union and SHU’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter.
Between the main mentoring program and these six additional cohorts, the second cycle involved 155 participants. That included 89 students and 66 mentors, of whom 58 were alumni and eight were industry partners. Six of these mentors also were involved with the program’s first cycle.
“From concept to execution, never did I imagine the MVP alumni mentoring program to grow as quickly and as successfully as it has,” said Helen Boyke, director of alumni, veteran and graduate career development. “Preparation for success in the workforce is an important aspect of the mentoring relationship. It’s exciting to have industry partners and SHU alumni mentor our students and give back in such a big way.”
One of the mentees in the program stated, “Sacred Heart’s mentoring program granted me ample professional connections that will last a lifetime. It also taught me professional industry skills, networking and confidence.”
At the MVP program’s virtual wrap-up presentation in June, digital communications major CJ Calcinari ’23 received the “Outstanding Mentee” award for demonstrating extraordinary curiosity and commitment to learning. Ramon Peralta, CEO, founder and chief creative officer of Peralta Design, received the “Outstanding Mentor” award for his admirable leadership skills and his outstanding guidance in support of his mentee’s professional development.
The third cycle of the MVP program will begin in late summer. For this cycle, the Center for Career and Professional Development will continue to incorporate specific departments and student clubs into the program to enhance students’ experiences and engagement.
Pictured, from top left clockwise, are Helen Boyke, Ramon Peralta, CJ Calcinari and Patti Moran.