Mentorship

by Monica Adya, PhD, Dean & Professor of Management, Rutgers School of Business–Camden

As I look back at my own journey as a first-time dean starting at an uncertain time in March 2020, I am grateful to my mentors who guided me in leading the Rutgers School of Business–Camden (RSBC) and our incredible faculty and staff to where we are today – a business school with an increasingly stronger footprint, a growing portfolio of programs, and positive growth in enrollments. For me, the value of mentorship was reinforced through the profound impact that my experienced mentors had in supporting my efforts.

With the belief that education extends far beyond the classroom, at RSBC, mentorship is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of support for our students. For students – especially those first in their families to attend college – the journey through college to their career can be both exciting and daunting. Unlike peers whose families may be more familiar with the demands of college and career, many of our students navigate unique challenges in translating academic knowledge into real-world skills and confidence. Mentorship can be beneficial in not only guiding them through academic, professional, and personal growth but also in making connections to the professional world. For many of our students, these connections can be transformative.

Using these considerations, RSBC has increased its emphasis on expanding mentorship opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Last year, we began with our Executive-in-Residence program with Steve Selfridge as our inaugural EIR. Over the past three semesters, Steve has given valuable time, wisdom, and connections to many of our students. Our undergraduate peer mentor program sustains with about 40-45 students participating annually. In this program, junior and senior students help their incoming first-year colleagues navigate their college journey and guide personal and professional growth. This peer mentor program is expected to grow with the launch of our Business Honors program starting Fall 2024. Earlier this year, we also expanded our strategies to graduate students with the launch of mentoring programs for our Professional MBA and Online Master of Accountancy programs. Both these graduate programs are in pilot stage with plans to expand with future cohorts. Finally, RSBC’s graduate team is developing an ambassador program for our international students, who navigate not only their academic journeys but also a transition across continents to another culture and environment.

I ask you to join us in supporting our commitment to success through mentorship. Our programs are an opportunity for you in the business community to shape the future of our students and contribute to the success of the next generation of leaders. You bring a wealth of experience, a connection to the Rutgers community, and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed. Your guidance can be pivotal in helping students develop professional networks, elevate resumes, prepare for interviews, and successfully transition to careers. Mentorship is about creating a ripple effect as our students learn from you to give back by passing on a legacy of support and resilience. I look forward to hearing from you should you be interested in supporting our programs.

With appreciation,

Monica Adya, PhD
Dean & Professor of Management