SNG professional mentors aim to help students succeed

Professionals who will be mentoring Poole College’s transfer students – both from other NC State colleges and other institutions – completed a mentor training session on September. 3 and 5, and then met with their student groups for the first time on September 6.

Their mentoring role supports the Student Network Group (SNG) component of the college’s Professionalism, Diversity and Academic Success in Management course. All new students take the course, which is designed to help them grow professionally. This includes developing their understanding and appreciation of diversity, to help them function effectively within an increasingly diverse work environment.

Diversity and inclusiveness are major themes in this class and the professional mentors’ role in the SNGs is a key part of that. The professionals are paired up with student mentors – Poole College students who have completed the course previously and chose to help new students get on solid footing for success.

When asked why they are participating, several of the professional mentors at the Sept. 3 training session said it was to help students succeed, to see diversity from a different point of view, and to serve as a bridge to help new students get comfortable in their new academic environment. 

The professionals SNG mentors represent a range of industries and professions, including accounting, banking, biopharmaceuticals, law, logistics, business community organizations, and technology.