Mentorship Program: 5 Reasons You Can Benefit

By Amanda Troncone

When I first ran for the position of professional development coordinator within the Waynesburg University Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter, I knew that a mentor program was a must. The Chapter has been involved in a multitude of experiences that allows students to meet and interact with professionals, but those relationships are not always maintained after the initial contact. Students need the opportunity to cultivate and continue relationships with professionals in the public relations field because relationships provide an opportunity to learn. Students are less likely to learn about the industry from a series of handshakes and a four-minute conversation, and are more likely to learn more from one professional who takes the time to teach them over a long period of time. When I was elected to this position, building a mentor program was the first item on my agenda.

Waynesburg University and PRSA Pittsburgh is working together to create a mentor program. The Chapter is extremely grateful to be collaborating with such reputable professionals. The kickoff event will be held before the PRSA Pittsburgh annual Christmas party Monday, Dec. 12. The event will run from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the annual PRSA Pittsburgh Christmas Party.

Since the kickoff event is nearing soon, below is a list of reasons why being a mentee can truly benefit the future of public relations.

1. Mentors offer a new perspective 

Having a mentor will allow students to see another point-of-view. A mentor provides knowledge and experience that students do not have. Simply having the ability to bounce ideas off of someone and receive input on projects, client work and personal branding endeavors will allow students to expand critical thinking and industry skills. 

2. Students will be able to learn about the industry and sector from their mentors

Sometimes students think they want to enter into a sector professionally, but may not have a complete understanding of what that entails. By having a mentor, students are able to ask questions and explore what that sector and job demands.  

3. Students will be exposed to more professional contacts

Relationships are like currency in the field of public relations, and mentors allow students to expand their professional networks by introducing them to new contacts and other professionals. Students can offer other professional contacts for their mentors to utilize as well. 

4. A mentor will help expose talents and weaknesses

Students are still learning the necessary skills needed to succeed in the field of public relations, and a mentor will only supplement that learning by offering advice. Students want mentors who will help identify talents and weaknesses, so they can continue to become better professionals. Students will always be grateful for any lesson taught by their mentors, and by gaining this knowledge about themselves, they can learn to be better and proactive mentees. 

5. Mentors will teach students how to be mentors themselves 

Mentors not only teach mentees viable skills to succeed, but mentors help teach mentees how to be good mentors to other people. The most important aspect in this program is that students will be able to take this experience to help others in the future. By having a mentor, a future mentor is being crafted.   

If anyone is interested in becoming a mentor or have any questions, please contact Meredith Amoroso at meredithblakepr@gmail.com.

Amanda Troncone is a sophomore public relations student and serves as the professional development coordinator for Waynesburg University Public Relations Student Society of America. Follow Amanda on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.