QCC alumni mentoring students

The Alumni Mentoring Program at QCC has been helping students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, to enter the job market. A recent increase in mentors will allow the program to widen its reach to more students.
Over 50 mentors from the fields of business, health, and technology have been matched with students since the program began in fall 2007. Because of the huge number of upcoming graduates, many mentors have taken on multiple “mentees.” The goal for the 2008-2009 academic year is to find 100 new mentors, with the long-term goal of matching every full-time degree student to a mentor.
Students experience work-based learning such as job shadowing and service learning (a combination of community service with classroom instruction). Existing contacts help students get a foot in the door when it comes to placement after graduation.
“Through my mentor’s networking, I got an interview and landed a job. If her connections did not exist for me, I would never have gotten the opportunity to get the job,” said a mentee.
“Many students at Queensborough do not have access to the personal and professional connections that can provide pathways to employment,” said Arlene Kemmerer, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Development at QCC, which helps students find jobs. “This program will help students develop career-oriented networks, skills and familiarity, all of which will help increase career awareness, retention, graduation and job placement rates.”
Mentors also help students write resumes, make contacts, gain knowledge of their field and develop their interpersonal skills. Students also benefit from discussing their career goals with a professional.
“The mentoring program provides that special personal touch that is the catalyst for motivating the student to achieve and fulfill their lifelong dreams. I really believe this,” said one mentor.
Thanks to growing interest among non-alumni, the program will expand in the near future. Kemmerer said she expects to advertise through newspapers and other businesses and that the news will travel by “word-of-mouth” among mentors who found the program rewarding.
“All alumni mentors that we have contacted were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about helping and supporting our students. All wanted to give back to Queensborough because of the wonderful experience they encountered here,” said Kemmerer.
Mentors and “mentees” may choose to meet in person, but most connect by phone or e-mail. “Alumni mentors are encouraged to demand high standards for all e-mail and phone interactions in terms of grammar, punctuation and articulation,” said Kemmerer. Coordinators keep in touch with mentors and students to track progress.
On June 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., QCC is hosting an Alumni Night at the Art Gallery to celebrate the success of the program. The event, supported by JPMorgan Chase, will be held at the QCC Art Gallery. Those interested in mentoring are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Arlene Kemmerer at 718-281-5612.