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