Mentor program kicks of

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center Mentor Program is kicking off this semester and is looking for applicants. The program intends to pair CSB+SJU students with professionals across various fields to offer a roadmap for networking and mentorship. Students can gain valuable skills and experience through this program. Through informational interviews, resume and cover letter critiques, job shadowing and career discussions, students will gain a greater awareness of the avenues for success in political, personal and professional life. The program has been around for quite some time due to the work of Matt Lindstrom, McCarthy Center Director and professor of political science. He noticed that the alumni of CSB+SJU are like no other, so he wanted to act. “As many know, the BennieJohnnie network is real, but it is up to the larger community to help students make those connections happen. As the director of the McCarthy Center, I led the start of our Mentor Program back in 2008 to help students access the great benefits that can be provided by our network of Bennies and Johnnies,” Lindstrom said via email. The program has made many notable connections for both past and current students. Mentors have been influential for numerous students and are volunteers who make the program what it is. “There have been so many unique experiences and great connections made over the years. We have many passionate mentors who are repeat volunteers in the program who really make the program as special as it is,” Lindstrom said. Payton Crotty, an SJU senior and the Mentor Student Program lead, had an unforgettable experience when he participated as a mentee. “As a former mentee in this program, my experience with my mentor Andrew Morley was very important to my professional growth. Andrew aided me greatly in securing an internship in Washington, D.C. and supported me along the way with advice to ensure I was successful in the position. This internship helped me grow in so many ways, and I will be forever grateful to the Mentor Program for fostering this experience,” Crotty said via email. The McCarthy Mentor program will host numerous events for students. There will be a day at the capitol on Wednesday. Other upcoming events for students include a resume, cover letter and LinkedIn workshop on Feb. 27, a D.C. mentor zoom seminar on March 13 and a mentor program reception on April 11. Students also get to participate in Polidazzle, a notable part of the program that benefits students outside the meetings with their mentors. Polidazzle is an annual networking event for CSB+SJU students, alumni, staff, faculty and anyone interested in public policy and civic life each fall. This gathering allows students to connect with community leaders/professionals who share a passion for public policy and civic engagement.Students in the program will also have the chance to attend monthly meetings. “Along with the mentor partnership, the program will also host one to two meetings a month that will further aid mentees in their professional development. Students in the program will also get first access to sign up for events hosted by the McCarthy Center, such as study tours and other special events,” Crotty said. The program is useful for those who are pursuing a career in public policy, but any student can join. “We have a few more openings left in this year’s program, so we encourage students with a passion for public policy who are interested in any of the programs benefits to sign up. We will be assigning mentors on a first come, first serve basis, so the remaining spots may fill up fast,” Crotty said. For students interested in applying to the program, applications can be found on the Eugene J. McCarthy Center website.