Dordt University introduces mentoring program to enhance career readiness

Dordt University now offers a mentoring program aimed at strengthening the career readiness of its students. This program pairs students with experienced mentors through an extensive alumni network to support their personal growth, career development, and professional skill-building.

Dordt President Dr. Erik Hoekstra initiated the idea for a career mentoring program, recognizing its potential to benefit students and alumni alike. “Career mentoring can help to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the world of work,” adds Amy Westra, director of career development at Dordt. “A mentor can help the student to define their career goals, gain an insider perspective into the career they are considering, and grow their professional network.”

Dave Schenk serves as employer relations and mentor coordinator for the program. “I manage and support the program, ensuring mentors and mentees are connected and supported,” says Schenk. “Once pairings are made, I focus on communication and provide nudges when needed.” He also conducts evaluations, including mid-point and final check-ins, to ensure the program’s success and improvement.

The mentorship partnership at Dordt begins with participants joining the mentoring platform to network and create profiles. Those seeking a formal connection register for the Career Mentorship Program, where they are matched based on career background, major, and communication style.

Once paired, mentors and mentees meet once a month for five months, either in person or online, for 30-minute sessions. Monthly virtual meetings help students develop essential competencies such as collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, while also offering insights into their respective industries.

The program is structured to help students set goals, increase self-awareness, and build valuable professional networks, ultimately preparing them for successful careers.

Currently, there are 83 formal pairings in Dordt University's mentorship program from fields such as business owners, teachers, accountants, and even a zookeeper. There is also a balanced mix of experienced professionals, recent alumni, and those in between. Student mentees represent a wide range of majors and class years.

Ultimately, the goal of the program is to connect students with professionals in their fields, create opportunities for alumni to engage with the university, and provide faculty with expanded networks.

“This is a tangible way for our alumni to steward their time, gifts, and wisdom in an impactful way,” says Schenk. “For students, learning from a fellow Dordt graduate, someone with a similar Christian worldview and experience in the workforce, provides invaluable insight and guidance.”

Schenk is eager to see the program expand further, emphasizing the importance of bringing in more mentors to create stronger connections and enhance the impact on students. "The more mentors we have, the better the matches will be, and the more students we can help prepare for successful careers," he adds.

For those interested in joining or learning more about the Mentorship Network, contact Dave Schenk.

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.