Executive Mentor Program

In my first semester of college, I was a part of the Executive Mentor Program.  The objective of this program is for college students to have a successful, responsible, adult mentor from New Orleans to guide them though the world of business.  The mentors serve as positive, educated role models to the students.  By the end of the program, the students are more confident in decision making, and more aware of the obstacles that will be heading their way.  One job of the mentor is to provide the student with improving their communication and networking skills.  This is especially important for Freshman college students because they start their journey feeling confident and knowing that if they need help their is someone they can call.  One goal of the program is for the mentor and student to develop a relationship that will last beyond the program.  The student should know that during their college years, there is a mentor who is willing to share valuable advice with them.

In my opinion, the most valuable experience was going to dinner with my mentor.  It created a relaxed environment that as a group we could all share our ideas, goals, and values.  We discussed business and listened to important stories that our mentor had been through.  Also, we discussed current business issues such as the financial crisis.  My mentor gave us advice on how to spend money wisely, and safe ways to invest money.

After I spent one semester with my mentor, my outlook on the program changed slightly.  I went into this program very optimistic, but I still had no idea what to expect.  I came out of this semester feeling more confident and optimistic.  My mentor taught me how to be responsible and to not be afraid to ask questions and sometimes fail.  I am aware now that in order to succeed we must make mistakes.  These instances only make us stronger and more educated to make better decisions in the future.

I believe this program is effective and should be implemented in other universities.  For students at other universities seeking an executive mentor, my advice would be to find someone who is successful, willing to donate their time and advice to the student.  The mentor really needs to be committed.  Along with the mentor, the student must be equally committed to the project and take advantage of every opportunity the mentor provides for them.

Although I have gone through one semester of this program, I will continue this program next semester.  I am excited to learn more from my mentor, and learn more about business.  I would like to establish better relationships with my mentor and my classmates.  Next semester, I am eager to take more business classes and take advantage of all open opportunities.

Over the winter break it is important that us business students do not loose touch with current events.  By staying in tune with current events we will have a sharper idea of what is going on in our world.  As students who have so much to learn we need to observe all that we can.  We can check on websites such as Businessweek.com and the New York Times online to get a global perspective on business.  To get local information in New Orleans about business we can visit Nola.com and New Orleans City Business.

Wolves on the Prowl Community Service

"The best way to find yourself is to loose yourself in the service of others."   - Gandhi

Last Saturday I attended Wolves on the Prowl, which is a community service day sponsored by Loyola University New Orleans.  It gives the students of Loyola a chance to get involved in different activities of community service.  There were activities for retirement homes, park clean up, and building restoration.  The activity that I participated in was helping the kindergartners of the Good Shepherd School have their annual field day.  The Good Shepherd School is a Jesuit, Catholic school that gives children of lower income families the opportunity to go to a catholic school free of tuition.  The parents of the children participate in community service to pay for their children's tuition.

The volunteer work that I helped with at the Good Shepherd School was to supervise the children's field day and organize their games.  I got to know the kids and tried to make them have a good day that they will remember.  I enjoyed getting to know the kids and it made me want to do more community service with children.  A non-profit organization that helps young children in New Orleans I have heard about it Big Brothers Big Sisters.  This organization gives children of low income families a mentor to watch the children and spend time with them.

 

Finance and Credit

"If God only gave me a clear sign; like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss bank"   - Woody Allen

On Thursday, I attended a presentation by an employee from Regions bank on finance and credit.  He stressed the importance of managing our money and how to keep a good credit score for the future.  Before the presentation, I never thought much about my credit score or how it even works; however, now I am aware how a credit card works and the importance of paying bills on time.  There is a 30% rule when managing your credit cards, and this means to try not to spend more than 30% of your maximum limit.  This helps to be able to pay off your credit cards easier and to allow for money to be spent in case of an emergency.

After the presentation I met with my executive mentor Darryl.  Darryl gave us real life instances of how important it is to maintain a good credit score.  Although we are just beginning college and it may not be the first thing on our mind, when we graduate it will be helpful to have a good credit score.  This is most likely when we will begin job searching, buying a house, or even a car.  For all of these things it is beneficial to have an excellent credit score in order to be able to get the best prices on loans.  If we can manage our money now, and not spend it on frivolous items, it will lead us on a successful path for the future.

CareerBeam Values and Vision

Ten years from now, I see myself as a confident and successful business leader.  With my education from Loyola I know that I will be able to make critical decisions and be fully prepared for whatever obstacles I may face.  In the future, I want to use my degree in marketing and work for a corporate company that will open many doors.  I want to be involved in my community in New Orleans to help preserve all of its historic aspects and traditions and also make it a safer place to live.

"Knowing your destination is half the journey" - Unknown Author.

A vision statement is useful to help you focus on your goals and prioritize what is important.  I believe that if you have a vision it is easier to reach your goals because it serves as a reminder of the impact you intend to have on the world.  Like the quote, if you have strong will and determination it will help to make you work that much harder in order to achieve your personal goals.  However, the challenges that come with writing a vision statement is uncertainty of your own future such and global changes in the world.  The world is constantly changing and over the years your priorities shift.

On the online CareerBeam test that I took it said that I am a pursuer.  The traits of a pursuer are thinking, learning, reasoning, probing, analyzing, and explaining.  I believe that this is a true representation of a pursuer and of myself.  Because I believe in making a plan and following along its path.  I think before I act and analyzing a situation beforehand only makes you think harder to realize what the outcome will be.  

Everyday we make choices that will impact our future, such as going to class, studying, keeping in touch with friends and family, money management.  All of the choices we make daily are the answers to what our future will become.  You cannot just wish for a better future you must act.  This is why I believe I am a pursuer because I can outline my future and leave room for adjustments along the way.  I can picture my goals and with my determination I believe I will achieve my goals.

Ben and Jerry's Mission Statement

Product Mission

To make, distribute & sell the finest quality all natural ice cream & euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.

Economic Mission

To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders & expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.

Social Mission
To operate the company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally & internationally.

In Ben and Jerry's mission statement they want to have a product that will make an impact on the world and make an impact on the customers.  They want to be profitable and keep their employees in mind as they develop and expand opportunities for them.  Environmental health is important to the company and this is important at a time where we are seeing changes in the environment and the impact that global warming is having on Earth.  I believe that working for a company like Ben and Jerry's would be beneficial to one's career because they are an innovative company that is always producing new flavors and products.  Also, they seem to be a company that cares about their employees. 

The Executive Mentor Program

In my business class, I am participating in the Executive Mentor Program.  In this program, the class is randomly assigned to a successful, local business person to be our mentor for the entire school year.  The mentors volunteer their time to teach the students important aspects of business by visiting the mentors at work, going on field trips, and through conversation.  The mentors share information about their personal successes, failures, and life experiences.

My mentor, Darryl Glade, went to the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree, then graduated first in his class from Loyola University in New Orleans.  In our first meeting, Darryl presented himself as confident, yet down to earth and easy to talk to.  Darryl now works for the company RE/MAX, where he started as a real estate agent and was opened up to many doors throughout the company.  One of his greatest accomplishments is the website www.OpenHouseReels.com.  On this website, professional videographers capture the images of the home, virtually creating an open house at all times.  This innovative website is the first of its kind in the area.

The best way to learn something is to get involved and participate in what you are interested in.  In this program, what you get out of it is what you put into it.  I am excited to learn all my mentor has to teach me and I am greatful that Loyola put this program together to give me the opportunity to have a mentor.  I will establish a personal relationship with Darryl and he will supply me with an endless amount of valuable information.

Through the program I will become a more prepared business person because of the insight given to me by my mentor.  I will learn straight from the source of success and have a better idea of what to expect in the world of business.  Knowledge and experience are things that can never be taken away from you.  Because of the Executive Mentor Program, by the end of the year, I will have learned and experienced many things that otherwise I would not have the  chance to.  The knowledge that I acquire will train me to make wise business decisions and teach me how to handle tough situations.