The internet is full of blog posts and videos focused on career advice—how to be more successful in a career, how to navigate interpersonal conflict, how to develop transferrable skills, and much more. But those of us who regularly work directly with students and professionals on campus know that blog posts and videos cannot compete with the perspective of a real live human being.
You can easily see the passion that campus rec staff have for personal and professional development when you attend NIRSA events or when you find yourself reading through conversations in Connect. Where NIRSA members really shine though is in one-on-one connections or, simply put, mentorship.
If you’re new to NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, new to the campus rec field, or new to building professional relationships, where should you start? Consider joining the NIRSA Mentor Match program!
“The Mentor Match Program has been a great way to share my experiences, roadblocks, and successes with others. I’ve been in collegiate recreation for over 20 years (from student employee to director), across seven very different campuses. And even still, with every interaction, you get to learn something new about this rewarding profession. Troubleshooting and swapping stories with my mentee has been wonderful.” –Diane Yee, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Why should I become a mentee?
Mentors can offer personalized advice and feedback to help you achieve your goals. They can also offer encouragement and motivation along the way. They can help you become better equipped to succeed in your career through the sharing of their own experiences and expertise. And they can help you grow your network, which could lead to a dream job or a fantastic new opportunity.
Why should I become a mentor?
While of course mentees benefit from a mentor sharing their wisdom, mentors get a lot of benefit out of the NIRSA Mentor Match program too. Mentees can help you learn more about a younger generation. They can help you gain new perspectives around the shifting trends and pathways that are part of an early career in recreation. And mentees can also expand your network, adding new layers and connections to your personal and professional web.
So how do I get started?
It’s super easy! Fill out the Mentor Match application (make sure you’re a NIRSA member first as the Mentor Match program is a member benefit) and the Career Development Committee will introduce you to your mentor or mentee while also providing you with monthly conversation starters for a full year!
If you’re still not sure about joining the program or have any questions, drop us a line—we’re happy to help!
Megan Granholm is currently the Membership Services Coordinator at NIRSA. You can reach her by emailing megan.granholm@nirsa.org.
