Mentorship Programs

Mentoring relationships are critical for career development and success in the 21st century.

The Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL) Mentoring program is an important cornerstone of the work we do to support the advancement of inclusive entrepreneurial leaders of all gender identities at Babson College. The program is designed to educate our students on the value of developmental relationships and to provide experience in building a personal board of coaches, sponsors, and mentors—all of which are essential for career growth in today’s complex work environment.

Underpinned by Babson’s leading research on mentoring and entrepreneurial leadership development, the F&E CWEL mentorship programs have served thousands of learners and mentors. The programs are intentionally designed to offset the structural and perceptual barriers for women in business networks.

In addition to formal mentorship offered through accelerators and executive education programs, F&E CWEL offers three, one-on-one mentorship programs, available to undergraduate and graduate students, delivered at critical points in their tenure at Babson.

F&E CWEL Graduate Mentor Program Pairs graduate students with seasoned professionals (15+ years of executive experience) for advanced vocational exploration and career transition strategies for leaders.
F&E CWEL Undergraduate Professional Mentor Program
Pairs junior and senior students with early-career professionals (3-15 years of work experience) for vocational exploration and transition to work opportunities and challenges.
F&E CWEL Undergraduate Near-Peer Mentor Program
Pairs first-year students with upper-class students for adjustment to college and integration with the broader community

Pairs meet regularly (virtually or in person) over the duration of the 12-week program. The experience is launched with a speed-networking matching session, to facilitate compatibility-based pairings, and closes with a celebratory reception.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

Perspective and inspiration from relatable and professional role-models
An individualized approach to developing their own career-readiness skills
Applied practice in professional communication, relationship building, and goal-setting
Increased professional, academic, and social confidence
Expanded professional network

BENEFITS FOR MENTORS

Fresh insights and diverse perspectives on education, industry, and entrepreneurial trends
Applied practice in research-backed mentoring strategies that are valuable to leadership progression
Access to an extended network of professionals affiliated with the F&E CWEL and an outstanding talent pool of next-generation leaders

STUDENTS

The F&E CWEL Mentor Program welcomes currently enrolled Babson, Olin, and Wellesley students of all gender identities and career interests. Students should be willing to commit time and dedication to their own personal and professional development throughout the busy academic semester.

MENTORS

F&E CWEL mentors are women who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. They come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, live either locally or abroad, and have their own unique combination of expertise and networks to share.

Our graduate students benefit from mentors with senior and executive leadership, entrepreneurship, or at least 15+ years of professional experience, while our undergraduate juniors and seniors benefit greatly from the insights of early-career professionals with 3-15 years of work experience.

Questions

For questions about mentoring or student programs offered through F&E CWEL, please email F&E CWEL.

What Students Are Saying

I had recently accepted a job right before connecting with my mentor and she was incredible in teaching me how to… help myself become more organized, become a good leader… and grow into my position. All of her advice and life experiences were super eye-opening and I cannot thank her enough for all of her wisdom.” - Katelyn Kohl, MBA'21

What Mentors Are Saying

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As a new mom working through the pandemic, signing up to be a F&E CWEL mentor was a great way to get back to some of my pre-mom/pre-pandemic life. I finally felt motivated to get my business, Stemwear, up and running and connected with some exceptional people. Through the cohort networking opportunities, I met my brand strategist and my mentee, who I am bringing on as an intern, this spring!" - Debra Swersky, MBA’15, Founder, Stemwear