Supporting the professional, academic, and personal experiences of Manning School of Business students through mentorship relationships.

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Program Overview and Mission

Manning School of Business undergraduate students, including Bachelor's to Master's (B2M), are invited to participate in the Reader Family Industry Mentor Program at UMass Lowell.

The Reader Family Industry Mentor Program offers intentional mentorship for students by pairing them with industry partners and alumni.

  • Students will build professional relationships and networks as they receive insight and advice related to professional, academic and personal success.
  • Mentors will assist students in the transition from academic to professional life and support their personal success at UMass Lowell and as they explore early career opportunities.

By connecting with professionals in the workplace, students will accelerate their growth as they navigate career possibilities.

To learn more about the origins of the Reader Family Industry Mentor Program, read: Ripple Effect: Readers Establish Mentorship Program at Manning School.

Group of students speaking with visiting alum

Expectations

The mentor and mentee connect for at least (1) hour per month. This meeting may be over Zoom / Microsoft Teams, a phone call or in-person.

The program typically runs from September / October to April / May. At that point, mentors and mentees can either decide to leave the program or opt in for another/different match the following year. This allows mentors and mentees the ability to engage with more students/industry professionals.

Learning Objectives

By the end of a mentorship cycle, mentors and mentees should have completed:

  • Connecting and Self-Exploration
  • Majors, Minors, Clubs and Skills
  • Career Exploration
  • Create a Resume and Cover Letter
  • Create and Optimize LinkedIn
  • Practice Your Elevator Pitch
  • Job Search and Shadow Opportunities
  • Interview Prep and Professionalism

Program Director Contact Information

Tom Clark, Director, Reader Family Industry Mentor Program
Email: thomas_clark1@uml.edu
LinkedIn: Connect with Tom Clark on LinkedIn

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the program work?

Students are matched with a mentor based on industry interest and their major concentration. Each mentor meets with their mentee between October / November and April / May for at least (1) hour per month. Mentors and Mentees are encouraged to use resources provided, such as our guides and informative and inspirational emails throughout the cycle.

How are the meetings between mentor and mentee run?

At the first meeting, mentors and mentees will establish some goals and talk through some topics they will want to cover. Examples might be, "What are two professional roles in my field of interest that maybe I haven't considered?" or "How can I best communicate my unique skills in a job interview?" The mentor will work with the student to identify topics each meeting. The format is flexible, so participants can identify topics that are best suited for them, and students can prepare questions for their mentor that spark conversation and reflection.

Testimonials

Quinn O’Brien.

"The mentorship program became an opportunity at a time I really needed a mentor. It was something I had been seeking for a while, and it has already opened so many doors."

– Quinn O’Brien '26, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Administration: Management with a minor in Psychology

Dhruv Shenoy.

"My mentor pushes me to the next level - he follows up, holds me accountable, and his guidance has sharpened my work ethic and confidence."

– Dhruv Shenoy '28, B.A. in Business Administration: Accounting and Finance

Mercy Reynoso Germosen.

"I was hoping to learn more about the field and connect with people. She also introduced me to her son-in-law, and he works in supply chain, so I'm having an interview with him soon to learn more about the supply chain and procurement field."

– Mercy Reynoso Germosen '27, B.A in Business Administration: Accounting and International Business

Important Key Dates and Notes

  • Mentor Application Submission Deadline: Currently on a rolling basis for our pilot program, for Fall 2026, Friday, October 2
  • Mentorship Pairing Announcement: September/October
  • Community Kick Off: October
  • Midpoint Networking Night: Spring
  • Closing Celebration: April/May

Become A Mentor

If you are interested in this program as a MENTOR, please let us know.

Students Apply Through Suitable!

Students apply through the Suitable app. Log into Suitable first, use the Reader Family Industry Mentor Program 2026-2027 Application or go to "Activities" and search for the application.