Corporate Mentorship Program

Volunteer corporate mentors at the SOME Center for Employment Training (CET) are paired one-on-one with program trainees to provide guidance and advice on re-entering the workforce. Corporate mentors follow a curriculum with their trainees involving basic computer skills, resumes, cover letters, job searching, job applications, interview skills, and, finally, job shadowing for a day at the mentor's workplace.

The mentorship's main purpose is to serve as a support and a liason for trainees to the professional world. The mentors also assist the trainees in overcoming barriers, in order to reach their career goals. Mentors are engaged in regular correspondence with their trainees through phone and e-mail, and they are required to meet with them in person at least once a month.

The mentorship program began in mid-November and currently 15 trainees are paired with corporate mentors. Even more students have heard about their classmates' beneficial experiences with their mentors and expressed an interest in being paired with a mentor. Ideally, all trainees would be able to have corporate mentors to assist them during their time at CET and beyond. Mentors represent a range of career backgrounds, including law, property management, healthcare, media communications, and data management.

Here is what some of our mentors have said:

"Michelle and I spoke last night, and we are having our monthly luncheon next Saturday... We are on track, and I truly enjoy working with her. I am elated for the progression and the relationship that we are building."

"Kourtney and I met up a couple of times to work on her resume and to discuss strategies for her to get an associate's degree while working in a meaningful job at the same time. She's very motivated and eager to learn."