Mentorship Programs

Underpinned by Babson’s leading research on mentoring and entrepreneurial leadership development, the 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, CWEL offers three, one-on-one mentorship programs, available to undergraduate and graduate students, delivered at critical points in their tenure at Babson.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 CWEL and an outstanding talent pool of next-generation leaders

STUDENTS

The 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

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.