How Mentors Help Their Students Succeed Professionally

By: Kaylene Eyring

As a mentor with The Reach Foundation, Sam Cowley describes the students he mentors as “very capable youths trying to build a better life for themselves and their families.” Throughout his time volunteering with the foundation, Cowley has noted that mentorship extends beyond academic assistance and extends to professional help as well. He has encouraged his mentees to find internships at whatever level they can find, and strongly believes that “internships are one of the most valuable things a student can do, as well as one of the hardest.” 

He emphasizes to his mentees that they need to start early and keep trying. Even if an internship does not necessarily relate to their major or even their desired field, they are valuable resources for future employers to see that these applicants have worked in corporate environments and are dedicated to their work. Cowley says that internships are a way for employers to know what they are getting in an employee and if they are reliable. TRF is absolutely committed to helping our students in every field we can, including networking and professional help, not just academic assistance.

The Reach Foundation prides itself on its mentoring program because it extends beyond academics to the many facets of transitioning from high school to college to the work industry. Mentors at the foundation, including Cowley, help their students obtain these internships which lead to job offers. The first step to looking for an internship is to be introduced to professionals and network with them, and TRF provides a network to start with. 

As first-generation students, it is often intimidating to meet these professionals and ask for help. Cowley advises that these people are interested in the individual student and are more than willing to help and give students their knowledge. Older adults can help first-generation students overcome their fears and give them the experience necessary to build their self-confidence.

Internships also allow students to become used to a work environment rather than an academic culture. 

Whereas school is extremely structured, jobs are more detail-oriented and do not provide the same type of feedback. Cowley points out that a work environment requires someone to have the self-determination and willingness to try and succeed. This, Cowley says, is where mentors come in. They can make those connections and introductions, and encourage their mentees. 

First-generation students lack the support network that legacy kids typically have. This is what The Reach Foundation tries to make up for. During their first year, mentees are typically met with at least once a week, and these meetings cover a range of issues depending on the individual student and what they need. Mentoring transcends beyond professional help as they attempt to build personal connections with their mentees and help them overcome the failures and newfound challenges they will encounter throughout their college journey. 

Cowley also thinks of his own children when he looks back at his time with TRF. He has noticed how fundamentally valuable it has been for his kids to know they have a safety net and retreat to fall back on, and this is what he and the rest of the mentors at TRF are trying to create for these hardworking students: a safe space that offers both financial security and the freedom to focus on school rather than trying to figure all of this out on their own.

Interested in supporting the cause? Go to thereachfoundation.net and learn how you can help today!