Lerner College students learn from business executives

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9:36 a.m., Sept. 16, 2010----With the fall semester now in full swing, students in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics are already taking advantage of discovery-based learning opportunities offered through the Executive Mentors Scholars Program.

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The Executive Mentors Scholars (EMS) Program, an educational resource offered by the Lerner College, establishes mentor-student relationships by matching executives and their professional backgrounds with students and their career objectives.

Students enrolled in the Lerner College apply during the spring semester of their sophomore year, begin their mentorships as juniors in the fall semester and conclude the experience at the end of their senior year.

At a kickoff reception held recently in the Lerner Atrium, Bobby Gempesaw, dean of the Lerner College, welcomed this year's group of students.

“As active students in the EMS program, you have the chance to obtain an insider's view of a company and the industry in which it operates,” said Gempesaw. “Take this opportunity to learn valuable networking skills and sharpen your skills as you prepare for a successful career.”

Gempesaw also acknowledged the executive mentors and commended them for participating in the EMS program.

“Mentoring is a means of developing business leaders and the future workforce,” Gempesaw said. “By participating in the EMS program, you are being of great service to the Lerner College and add unique value to the education of our students.”

Senior accounting student Ashley Burgio acknowledged the many benefits of getting involved in the program.

“The EMS program offers incredible opportunities for students who truly care about investing in their futures and improving themselves professionally,” said Burgio. “This past year in the program has proved invaluable in both my personal development and professional development. Having a mentor who I can contact to ask advice and to bounce ideas off of has really made a positive impact on my career path, directly affecting my confidence and comfort when speaking with professionals.”

Heath Kahrs, partner at Santora CPA group and executive mentor for Burgio, has also found it beneficial to participate in the program.

“I personally believe that the EMS program is an excellent idea,” said Kahrs. “Mentors provide an outlet for junior and senior students to seek advice on a range of topics including interviewing, career and job selection, prospective employer expectations (the do's and don'ts), CPA exam, personal and career goals.

“In addition, the mentor-mentee relationship allows the students to improve upon certain key soft skills such as communication skills,” Kahrs said. “Overall, I think that the relationship is a rewarding one that allows the student at the very least to have an edge over other individuals who do not have the opportunity or choose not participate in the program.”

David Brond, vice president for communications and marketing at UD and mentor for senior marketing major Ashley Toala, agrees.

“I have found that the EMS program not only benefits the student but also the mentor,” said Brond. “It provides an opportunity to connect with an intelligent, engaged student who provides a fresh and insightful perspective.”

According to Jill Panté, assistant director of the Lerner College satellite Career Services Center, the program is a benefit that students in the college should consider taking advantage of.

“Students get the chance to build a relationship with a high level executive and ask their advice about everything from career choices to interviewing skills,” Panté said. “At the same time, students can see what the president and CEO of WSFS or the director of marketing for Johnson & Johnson does on a daily basis. We are growing the program each year and I trust students will take advantage of it.”

Students and prospective mentors interested in participating in the EMS program may contact Panté at [jgugino@udel.edu] for more information.

Article by Kathryn A. Marrone

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