Greater Mt. Zion (GMZ) Professional Mentor

Description

Huston-Tillotson University proudly serves a diverse population of students which includes a high percentage of first-generation, low socioeconomic and underprepared students. This population of students brings transitional challenges as they have a need for enhanced curricular and co-curricular support services. Such students benefit from additional support in personal development, co-curricular activities, academic support, and career and professional development. The need for student development is imperative since some students, to their own detriment and unfamiliarity with these experiences, often opt out on the very opportunities that will assist them in successful transition to university life. Overall, the HT Ram Mentorship program will assist in this effort and impact career, social and co-curricular student development.

The Huston-Tillotson University Student Development Mentorship Program is seeking outgoing individuals to serves as Professional Mentors to promote and support the career development of the overall HT student body and particularly within the prescribed majors (STEM, Engineering, Language Instruction, Allied Health Professions) to increase career readiness, provide students various opportunities, including, career exploration, job shadowing and internship opportunities and continuous progress monitoring in mastering NACE (HT Power Skills) competencies. In addition, Professional Mentors will work with the Director of Student Development to facilitate small group career development workshops focused on industry specific career exploration, skill building, and exposing students to certification. Professional Mentors support students to help them make successful transitions and sustained progress into viable industry certifications, and internships/apprenticeships.

Targeted NACE (Power Skills) Student Competencies for HT Mentorship Program:

• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
• Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
• Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and able to learn from his/her mistakes.
• Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
  
  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide advice, knowledge and guidance to Mentorship Program participants on a wide range of career readiness and college readiness topics throughout the year.
• Provide ongoing assessment of mentees progress in achieving mastery of NACE (HT Power Skills) competencies
• Support students with implementing career management plans, including resume, cover letter and interview preparation, internship/externship exploration, industry specific soft skill awareness, networking strategies; and self-branding.
• Maintain consistent interaction and follow-up with students via face-to-face and/or various forms of technology. Meet with mentee at least 4 hours per month (recommend one hour per week).
• Provide/promote internship and job shadow opportunities to facilitate career development and promote career readiness. Monitor students’ development of career competencies and career management plan towards progression of gainful employment.
• Maintain contact with the Director of Student Development regarding all things related to the mentorship program.

Qualifications