BOBCAT MENTORSHIP NETWORKCAREER & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTER

LESSON GOAL

• Create a profile on the Bobcat Mentorship Network (BMN)

• Use BMN to research industries and alumni career paths

• Reflect on experiences following use of BMN

• Identify a short-term goal for BMN use to expand networking activity

ANSWER – HOW CAN I CONNECT WITH AND LEARN FROM BOBCAT ALUMNI?

ABOUT BMN

• New platform connecting alumni, students, faculty, and staff

• Provides mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities

• Accessible with your Ohio University email login and password

• Capable of synching with content from your LinkedIn page, if you have one already

• Link: mentorship.ohio.edu

WHAT IS THE BOBCAT MENTORSHIP NETWORK?

WHY SEEK MENTORING AND NETWORKING?

MENTORING VS. NETWORKING

MENTORSHIP

• The mentor is providing help

• Learning from someone with more experience

• Ongoing contact

• Mentor has more knowledge or expertise

• Mentee responsible to seek out assistance

NETWORKING

• Both individuals may seek or receive help

• Mutually beneficial –learning from each other

• Varied contact, no time limit

• Similar or different experiences (do not have to be peers)

• Either person initiates contact

LOG IN TO BMNMENTORSHIP.OHIO.EDU

EXPLORE BMN

• Create a profile

• Explore resources

• Review the network

• Look at groups

CONNECTIONSSTRATEGIES TO CONNECT

GROUP REFLECTION

•How did you feel while you were exploring BMN?

•What was your favorite thing you learned?

•What surprised you about the activity?

•How did this activity impact your career interests?

•Who was most interesting to you?

•What will you do next on BMN?

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NEXT STEPS

Spend time engaging with BMN and interacting with users

Log into Handshake using your OHIO email and password at https://ohio.joinhandshake.com to schedule appointments, search for jobs and internships, and to see upcoming events

Consider working with a CLDC coach to set goals for using BMN

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

INDUSTRY DISCUSSION BOARD

• Review professional media outlets and select one article related to your professional interests

• Post the article to your selected group and share your thoughts about the piece

• Why is this interesting and relevant to this group?

• What questions or perspectives do you have for other group members related to the topic?

• Email your instructor a link to the article you shared in the group, identify the group you chose to join, and share your future plans for using the Bobcat Mentorship Network

INITIATE A CONVERSATION

FLASH MENTORING

• Opportunity to learn about a professional’s experience in an area of interest

• Set up a one-time, 30-minute conversation with a mentor

• Set a time to have the conversation

• Develop a list of questions in advance

• Practice using your networking skills

ENGAGE AND REFLECT

FLASH MENTORING

• Write a reflection about the experience

• What did you learn from the person you spoke with?

• What was the most interesting part of your conversation?

• Is this something you see yourself doing again? Why or why not?

• What else do you need to do to prepare for your future career?

ENGAGE AND REFLECT