The McCarthy Center Mentor Program

Mentor Program banner

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center Mentor Program intends to pair CSB and SJU students with professionals across various fields to offer a roadmap for networking and mentorship.  Through informational interviews, job shadowing, resume and cover letter critiques, and career discussions, students will gain a greater awareness of the avenues for success in political, personal, and professional life.

Mentor Program Goals:

Gain Knowledge: 

To gain knowledge about professional options and opportunities within and beyond the Bennie/Johnnie network. 

To gain professional knowledge about applicable communication skills. 

To gain knowledge about personal development and pathways to success. 

Gain Experience: 

To gain experience in creating and building a professional network. 

To gain experience in written and oral communication. 

Improve Skills: 

To improve skills in areas including, but not limited, to: 

Social media networking 

Interpersonal networking skills 

Self-advocacy  

Professional communication 

Cover letter writing and resume writing

Polidazzle '18

Opportunities arranged by the Mentor Program:

Polidazzle - An annual networking event for CSB/SJU students, alumni/ae, staff, faculty, and anyone else interested in public policy and civic life that occurs each fall. This gathering offers an opportunity for students to connect with community leaders/professionals who share a passion for public policy and civic engagement. Please feel free to invite anyone who you think is interested. This reception is an open house that includes drinks and hors d'oeuvres. If you are interested in learning more about Polidazzle, please click on the heading above.

Campus Connections - On-campus meetings that are arranged by the McCarthy Center staff in order to offer students easy and convenient opportunities to connect with community leaders.  If you are a Mentor interested in meeting with a small group on mentees on campus, please email [email protected].  

State Community Leader Visits - At mentors' convenience, the McCarthy Center staff will arrange transportation for small groups of students to visit with community leaders within the state of Minnesota. If you are a professional interested in offering one of these opportunities, please email [email protected].  

Expectations of the Program:

Mentors

  1. Have at least one phone conversation with your mentee before “Polidazzle” –our annual fall Mentor Program reception.
  2. If possible, meet the mentee(s) for an informational interview about your education and career.
  3. If possible, attend the annual “Polidazzle” reception 
  4. Offer three names and introductions for your mentee to follow up with other informational interviews.
  5. Offer mentees various other opportunities such as reviewing resumes or cover letters, hosting students for job shadowing, sharing invitations to events, doing mock interviews, and having email exchanges on class assignments, for example.
  6. If possible, participate in an online Zoom small-group seminar or campus visit with students about your career, community involvement, and ideas.
  7. If possible, participate in the spring semester wrap-up and debriefing session.

Mentees

  1. Complete the Mentee registration form.
  2. If possible, meet the mentor(s) for an informational interview or Zoom call.
  3. Exchange and discuss resume, letters of recommendation, and cover letters with your mentor.
  4. Complete check-ins with Mentor Program Coordinator, Kate Fenske.
  5. Attend Mentor Program meetings and the annual Polidazzle event.
  6. Create a LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letters
  7. Participate in the spring wrap-up reception and workshops.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Professor Matt Lindstrom.