More USC Annenberg students than ever before will have the opportunity to receive advice on entering the working world as the Annenberg Connection program launches its 13th year of mentorship.
The Annenberg Connection matches students with alumni mentors who are working in their career field. The mentors and mentees interact at various campus events throughout the year. In addition, the mentors individually meet with their students at least once a month. A record-breaking number of 88 students have been individually matched with alumni for the 2011-2012 program, which kicked off at a Nov. 2 reception. Students apply for the Annenberg Connection program not only to seek professional advice, but also to develop long-lasting relationships with their mentors.
Dana Manolis, a sophomore majoring in Communication and Music Industry, looks to her mentor John Ochoa for help in discovering her dream job. “I expect that John provides me with some information that I wouldn’t have had access to. Also, more importantly, to develop and maintain a great relationship with him. Something like a mentor forever, someone I can always go to when I have any questions or concerns,” Manolis said. As more students become interested in joining the Annenberg Connection each year, new mentors are constantly being recruited. Suzanne Alcantara, USC Annenberg's associate director for Career Development who has helped coordinate the program for 11 years, has seen former mentees return as mentors. “They know the value of the mentorship and now they want to give back. It confirms just how valuable the Annenberg Connection can be,” Alcantara said. Thomas Haire, a mentor who has been with Annenberg Connection since 1999, said he understands the importance of having a mentor from his experience while a student at USC. Haire now has the opportunity to provide his students with the same help. “When you've had a really successful year with a student - and success can come in many forms - that last meeting is always pretty powerful. Seeing and hearing the thanks from students for being a part of the program is always moving,” Haire said.
As the program continues to grow, there will be a greater need for alumni involvement.
Any alumni interested in more information on the program should contact Amy-Jo Luna, USC Annenberg’s director of Alumni Relations, at ascalums@usc.edu.
