Why Mentors Are Important in College – Olivia Strauss

Merriam-Webster defines a mentor as, “a trusted counselor or guide,” but a mentor in college can mean so much more — a coach, a tutor, a friend. College can be a confusing time for many as it is a time of constant change. And in times of change, it often helps to have someone to guide you in the right direction.


A mentor can offer both personal and professional support, which is important for college
students who are navigating how to build a personal brand, a resume or a portfolio. A good
mentor will always listen to your wants and needs and give you personalized advice. Having a pro in your corner is always a plus when it comes time to apply to internships and even further into your career as you grow into a full-time professional with many different paths available.


However, finding a mentor can be a challenge. Here at Scripps PRSSA, we offer two mentorship programs — the peer mentorship program and the professional mentorship program.


The peer mentorship program pairs an underclassmen with an upperclassmen based on shared interests. This program is great for discussing coursework, internship opportunities, resume tips and making new friends! Scripps PRSSA hosts several peer mentorship events each year, so you will have plenty of time to meet with your mentor/mentee and socialize. This program is also a great time to learn about and develop leadership skills as members are able to be in a mentee and mentor position during their time at Ohio University.

The professional mentorship program pairs students with full-time professionals in the field of public relations, marketing or communications. Students complete a survey that allows our Vice President of External Relations to find each student their perfect match based on their job interests, hobbies and more. This program is great for students looking to network with professionals in their desired field, location and even position. There is no meeting requirement for this program, so feel free to network as you see fit! Most pairs meet once a month to catch up on life, review resumes and cover letters, practice interviewing and, mostly, to build a lifelong connection!

Interested in these opportunities? Pay your dues by November 1 and become a member of one of the top PRSSA Chapters in the world, Scripps PRSSA. For more information on the benefits of becoming a dues-paying member, click here.

Questions? Contact us at scrippsprssa@ohio.edu for more information.

Olivia Strauss is a senior studying journalism – strategic communication and pursuing a minor in marketing and a certificate in social media at Ohio University. She currently serves as Scripps PRSSA’s Chapter President. Connect with Olivia on LinkedIn here and Twitter here!

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