A new mentorship initiative is set to launch at Illinois Valley Community College in Ottawa, targeting students keen on enhancing career prospects. Organized by the Ottawa Network of Young Executives, the program begins November 19 at the IVCC Ottawa Center. It aims to connect students with business mentors to build networks and set career goals, with registration opening at 5:30 PM for up to 50 students. The program begins at 6 PM, and the food is catered by B.A.S.H. ONYX leaders will open with a presentation, followed by comments from Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Director Jay McCracken about the benefits of mentoring. ONYX is an extension of the Chamber.
“It is unique. There are not many mentorship programs in this area,” said Caitlyn Carrier, vice president of ONYX (Ottawa Network of Young Executives). Though mentor systems may exist internally for employees, she knows of none that extend to prospective or non-employees.
“We want to make sure they are going where they would like to go in their careers, to have somebody to talk to and learn the ropes from and see what is right for them. We hope the experience will lead them to want to work in the field and stay in this area. Our main focus is helping to build their confidence,” Carrier said.
Williams said mentors can also learn from students. “They are the new workforce coming in. How can we help students develop in ways they didn’t know were possible?”
For more information about the organization of the mentor kickoff, visit https://onyxillinois.com/events.