Mentor program will build on initial success By Zach Smith
A mentor, as defined by Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, is "a trusted counselor or guide." In all of our respective paths there have been and still are individuals we can turn to for advice on any matter, personal or professional. Imagine being a college student with access to a wealth of knowledge from not only one, but an entire group of people in various professional arenas, all dedicated to the concept of the Northern Star mentor program.
Since fall 1996, the Star has been trying to assemble an extensive group of alumni to act as mentors for current Star employees. The idea is to match students with professionals in the student's area of career interest. The mentor then serves as a resource for career, personal or job-placement questions. Students also have access to all mentors via an alumni mentor directory. This could serve not only the Star's students, but also the alumni, since a goal of the mentor program is to help current as well as former Star employees in personal development, career counseling and job placement.
Success already has been achieved in the Star's advertising and business departments, thanks largely to a group of 24 alumni from the Chicago Tribune, DeLoitte & Touche, the Los Angeles Times, Ernst & Young, Time Inc. and many more top Chicago and national companies.
All of us who are Star alumni can attest to the fact that we probably would not have risen to where we are if not for the time we spent at the Star. This program is geared to give something back. We are putting together a fantastic alumni base that rivals any in the country. The time commitment is minimal. The rewards are countless.
If you have questions about the mentor program, contact:Maria Krull
Northern Star business adviser
(815) 753-0707
Dave Statis, Los Angeles Times
(312) 595-2414
Zach Smith, Katz Media, Inc.
(312) 755-3844
zsmith@katz-media.comJim Killam
Northern Star adviser
(815) 753-4239