Kerry: How has the EOC mentoring program contributed to your success in earning a seat in the New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program?
Nabila: My mentorship has contributed greatly to my success in earning a seat in the New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program. First, my mentor has given me courage to apply because he saw potential in me, which helped me relinquish self-doubt and fear of rejection. He told me to work with career service to prepare for the fellowship. Most importantly, my mentor’s suggestion to speak slowly and confidently helped me to have a wonderful interview experience for the New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship Program. I am very thankful to the Executives on Campus Program for providing me with a wonderful mentor like Stephen.
Kerry: What is the most important advice you learned from your mentor, Stephen?
Nabila: The most important advice I have learned from Stephen is to “Never Give Up”. This advice helped me to bolster my self-esteem. I started to believe in myself as a capable individual more. He also helped me improve my social skills. I have a tendency to speak fast. He told me that “while speaking, you need to understand other people’s perspectives. It is better to speak slowly so the other person can understand your point of view.” After this feedback, I started to speak slowly which boosted my confidence and increase my positivity towards life.
Kerry: What advice do you have for other mentees?
Nabila: Mentorship in the Executives on Campus Program is one of the most wonderful experiences at Baruch College. I suggest that mentees communicate openly with their mentors, so their needs can be understood clearly. They should try to be open-minded and always eager to learn from their mentor’s experience – there are always news things to learn from a mentor. In general, mentees should focus more on their mentoring relationship, rather than the outcomes.
Kerry: What do you believe Nabila will bring to State Government in her role as an Excelsior Service Fellow?
Stephen: She will bring a good understanding of what the role of government positions are. She is passionate about serving the community and representing fellow New Yorkers.
Kerry: How has Nabila grown throughout her past year as a mentee?
Stephen: Nabila is a joy to mentor. She is always receptive to my suggestions and takes great notes during our discussions. She has worked on her overall communication skills over the past several months and has diligently researched job opportunities.
Kerry: How has Nabila put your advice into action within her professional development?
Stephen: She has practiced what she has learned. She has followed up after interviews for positions she did not get to learn what she could improve upon from the interviewers perspective, she has taken advantage of career services and the writing center to practice, and had worked on getting feedback from her peers, family and employer so that she can continue to improve. We have also created strategies to successfully pursue her academic and professional goals.
Kerry: What are her strengths?
Stephen: Nabila has a warm and friendly demeanor. This allows people to feel at ease when interacting with her. She also is hard working, driven and committed to being a continuous learner. These traits should allow her to be a very successful professional upon graduation.
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