College is a place to collect knowledge for a future career. However, learning life skills and appropriate behavior for the professional world is something not taught in a classroom.
“ParMentors teaches members about the proper etiquette needed to prepare for the professional world,” Nancy Richard, adviser to ParMentors, said. “I feel students who have been involved in ParMentors go out into the work force with more confidence. It is easier for them to communicate on a professional level.”
Meeting twice a month, members are taught how to conduct themselves in a proper manner on multiple levels.
They talk about the proper way to handle interviews, how to pick out a professional wardrobe and the suitable way to eat a six-course meal. Next year, ballroom dancing is going to be added to the list of various activities.
Junior Tonia Karpowicz is part of the ParMentors Board of Directors.
Karpowicz uses the skills gained from being a part of the organization to aid Baker’s administration when hosts are needed for guests visiting the university.
“ParMentors act as the hosts of Baker,” Karpowicz said. “We go to events and meet new people on campus.”
In order to be selected for the organization, prospective applicants must attend a reception and go through an individual interview process.
Students have to be enrolled full time, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. <br/>Student must have already completed 12 credit hours the semester before applying. Student must have already completed 12 credit hours the semester before applying. <br/>This year, the organization had more returned applications than any previous year. Twenty is usually the member quota. Due to the high the number of applicants, 34 members have been accepted.This year, the organization had more returned applications than any previous year. Twenty is usually the member quota. Due to the high the number of applicants, 34 members have been accepted.
Student must have already completed 12 credit hours the semester before applying.
This year, the organization had more returned applications than any previous year. Twenty is usually the member quota. Due to the high the number of applicants, 34 members have been accepted.
“The organization is important to the university because it provides a bird’s-eye view of the variety of students Baker has,” Richard said.
Another important opportunity students are given is the mentoring program by a trustee or alumnus. Through the program, it provides a rare chance at networking opportunities and individualized advice.
“The organization gives a chance to mingle with alumni and Board of Trustees members,” Karpowicz said. “It is a great opportunity to get involved, and has a mentoring program which helps establish connections.”
Sophomore Blake Stanwood was just selected for ParMentors this year, and he can already see the benefits the group offers.
“I think it is really beneficial because networking is key,” Stanwood said. “It opens up doors on a higher level and helps to educate on how to effectively interview and meet new people.”
