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Management Career Services

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Category: Mentoring

Employer Spotlight: Mike Kerwin

Mike Kerwin is an Associate Director at Procter & Gamble (P&G) and is a participant in Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program (NMP).

Although P&G regularly sources talent from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management to fulfill co-op work terms and full-time employment opportunities;   Through the NMP, P&G compensates a business student so that they may work at a charitable organization during the summer months. P&G has funded Dal students to work at charitable organizations including Junior Achievement and Kids Help Phone .

Staying connected to their investment, Mike personally mentors Dalhousie students through the summer work term. The mentoring component allows students to gain contacts, experience and expertise from both the corporate and not-for-profit industries.

“Participating in the NMP reminds me that tomorrow’s young leaders bring new and fresh approaches to everyday business opportunities and issues.  We live and work in an environment that constantly changing. Our ability to adapt and leverage diversity is critical to our competitive advantage and future success.” 

Student Spotlight: Patricia Halim

Patricia Halim is a 4th year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Marketing. Being a motivated student, Patricia attended several of the Career Success Workshops in order to further her knowledge of the job market and develop her skills for future career development.

 
“These workshops are a great opportunity to learn how to differentiate yourself from your peers and stand out in the eyes of the employers. Whether you are a first year student or in your final year, you are guaranteed to walk away from this workshop feeling more confident about yourself and your job search strategy. These workshops were undoubtedly beneficial and I recommend everyone to take part and take advantage of the opportunity.”

Students Talk About Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program

Management Career Services (MCS) conducts an interview with this year’s National Mentoring Program (NMP) participants:

  • Alexa Reedman is a third year Management student working at the Canadian Cancer Society,
  • Becky Richter is a third year Commerce student working at Big Brothers Big Sisters,
  • Ashley Childs is a third year Management student working at Clean Nova Scotia and
  • Patrick Auld is a third year Commerce student working at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario.

Why did you want to participate in the National Mentoring Program?

Alexa: “I wanted to participate in the NMP because I am deeply passionate about charitable work and giving back to my community. It is a fantastic program where I can work on my current skills and develop new ones working on what I love most, without any financial strain on the organization.”

Becky:  “The NMP initially caught my attention because I’m pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. After the first information session, I was surprised to learn about the amount of value the program adds to all the individuals involved – I knew that I had to apply.”

Patrick: “I am participating in the NMP because it was an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and expertise of a successful mentor while contributing to a not-for-profit organization. I knew that having a mentor would allow me to gain knowledge that only comes from years of experience.”

Ashley:  “I wanted to gain valuable work experience in what I am interested in, while having people to help guide me in the right direction. It also gave me the opportunity to work for an organization I’ve dreamed of working for, Clean Nova Scotia.”

 

Why type of work/ projects are you working on this summer?

Alexa: “The projects I am working on at the Canadian Cancer Society include evaluating current tribute programs, such as donations via “in honor” and “in memorial” and creating new efficient systems and marketing strategies to increase revenues for the organization.”

Becky:  “I am assisting Big Brothers Big Sisters prepare for their 100 year Anniversary in Canada and 45 year Anniversary in Greater Halifax. I’ll be developing a creative plan to build interest for next year and working on different celebration initiatives to share the organizations history with our community.”

Patrick: “My main responsibility at Junior Achievement is to create promotional materials as well as promote next year’s Company Program. The Company Program is an entrepreneurial program for high school students. I will also be working to recruit new students, high school locations and corporate volunteer advisors for the program.”

Ashley: “I’m working on environmental/water related programs with Clean Nova Scotia. I am trying to launch the pilot for the latest water focused program offered by CNS to home-owners. I am also working in the Blue Flags program which works towards obtaining eco-certification for Nova Scotia/Atlantic province beaches.”


Why do you value a Corporate Mentor?

Alexa: “ She is invested in developing my business skills both short and long term. She is someone I can turn to when I am in a rut or she is someone that I can bounce ideas off of. She encourages me and empowers me to succeed.”

Becky:  “My mentor offers a new perspective on my project; she supports me, gives me advice and helps me advance my career and personal goals.”

Patrick: “My mentor shares his vast amount of knowledge and experience with me on a daily basis. I can contact my mentor at any time. If I have a question or concern with anything that I am working on and I can be confident that my mentor has already experienced a similar situation.“

Ashley: “Having a corporate mentor helps guide me in the right direction. He has so much experience and so much knowledge to share, it’s so great being able to ask a question about a project that someone else has already dealt with. “


What would you tell others about the NMP?

Alexa:  “The NMP is one of the best experiences of my life. I love, love, love my job. I directly see the impact that I am having and the people I work with are wonderful, hardworking people and they are extremely passionate in what they do.”

Becky:  “I’m always aware of the costs associated with hiring new staff, especially for a non-profit. The corporation sponsors the wage of the student along with providing support in the form of a mentor. In my eyes this program is the perfect opportunity to make a valuable impact – for students, employees and organizations.”

Patrick: “I would highly recommend that they pursue this amazing opportunity. This program allows you to work closely with an experienced mentor while contributing to a great organization. Everything you do in this job is about helping someone else and you really feel that you have made a difference in someone’s life.”

Ashley: “The NMP gave me the opportunity to work for the organization I’ve been dreaming about working with. It also allowed me to see myself in my actual work-force according to my field of study; it gave me experiences and knowledge that is irreplaceable.”

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