Paying it Forward and Giving Back!
Just a few of the amazing Mentors for the WINGS Program, Rutgers University, NJ
Six years ago, I joined a wonderful group of senior colleagues as a mentor to young women. WINGS (Women Investing in and Guiding Students) is a Wells Fargo sponsored program and is a very successful college-to-career program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. After my first year I was asked to assume the role of Co-ordinator. I was excited and honored and it turned out to be one of the most fulfilling roles I have been able to engage in and perform.
The program partners professional women with a sophomore, junior or senior female student who is accepted into the program for the academic year. It incorporates panel discussions, workshops (love and money-understanding credit was a favorite), career preparation activities as well as pre-arranged meetings for individual connections agreed upon by each Mentee and Mentor. Not only is this an opportunity for Mentors to share their expertise and give guidance, but it morphs into a “give and take” chance for both participators to learn from each other. Students are able to share their thoughts and talents with their mentors and broaden the perspective “according to millennials” through which the mentors view the world. It is eye-opening and rewarding and an absolute technological benefit for the mentors!!