Assumption, Local Industry Leaders to Launch Unique M.B.A. Mentoring Program
Assumption’s Accelerated M.B.A. Program – through which students can earn an M.B.A. in as little as 14 months – will kick-off a mentoring program on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the Testa Atrium on Assumption’s Worcester campus. The program, which connects professionals from throughout Worcester County with students in the Assumption M.B.A. program, is an integral to the experiential learning component of the program.
The mentoring component – a rarity for most M.B.A. programs – provides Accelerated M.B.A. students the opportunity to build lasting relationships with an experienced business executive. Assumption extends learning beyond the classroom through partnerships with community-minded business professionals who are leaders in their field with a vision to develop the next generation of leaders.
“Students in Assumption’s Accelerated M.B.A. program enhance their professional development and immerse themselves in their chosen field with the guidance and encouragement they receive from their mentors,” said Robin Frkal, Ph.D., MBA Program Director. “Mutual participation in the program helps to create a tradition of mentoring that strengthens and deepens leadership talent in the local business community. Students enrolled in Assumption’s Accelerated M.B.A. program are focused on launching a meaningful high-impact business careers and becoming ethical leaders.”
M.B.A. students were virtually introduced to their mentor at the start of the fall semester and will meet them in person at the Sept. 19 event. Mentors are expected to establish trust with students and maintain confidentiality; offer insight and guidance to help M.B.A. students navigate their internship experiences; provide networking support and advice to help students progress and develop in their career; and honor the commitment to maintain the mentoring relationship for the academic year, and regularly meeting as determined with the student.
Student expectations include taking initiative to schedule and maintain a productive working relationship with mentors; be open, engaged, and eager to receive feedback; and respect the mentors time and follow through on all meetings and commitments.
Mentors representing a number of Worcester business and fields include: Michael Adams, Unum, Director Account Management; Fran Bedard, Managing Director, Deloitte LLP; Brenda Buckley, Senior Vice President Lending, IC Federal Credit Union; Susan Cox, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Seven Hills Foundation; Tom Goulet, Senior Accountant, Stolberg, Ebbing, & Blanchette, LLP; Jennifer Jones, Audit Senior, Smith, Sullivan & Brown, PC.; Debbie Lefebvre, Owner – Business Life Coach, Ideal Group; Elvis Lopez, VITA site coordinator, Worcester Tax Free Coalition; Ginny Nelson, Lead Training Consultant, Unum; Matt Palmgren, Financial Advisor, ELM Wealth Management; Kevin Peterssen, VP Commercial Banking, United Bank; Nicole Vassallo, Vice President Learning and Development, Workers Credit Union; and Laura Ybarra, Chief Operating Officer, AllCom Credit Union;
Assumption established the Accelerated M.B.A. program in 2014, enhancing the existing M.B.A. program introduced in the 1980s.