Navigating Your Future: Removing the Guesswork through Mentorship
Choosing a career path can be overwhelming for college students. Personalized, one-on-one professional mentorship can make a significant impact on students during their career exploration.
The Importance of Mentorship
BDO USA’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Bernie Pieters, highlights the impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth. “Mentorship contributes to an individual’s personal and professional development. When you willingly and joyfully mentor others, you create a legacy of leaders.”
BDO’s Pathway to Success program is a six-month program set apart by the exclusive mentor/mentee pairing. Students are matched with a dedicated BDO professional who volunteers their time to assist with career exploration. This relationship allows students to ask questions, bounce ideas, and seek advice on educational programming, major selection, and career exploration. The goal is to foster a relationship that continues long after the six-month commitment.
Discover Yourself
Participants learn about roles within a professional services firm, business lines, clients, and culture, while gaining insights into their own educational and professional aspirations. No prior experience is needed, and BDO provides resources for successful mentorship relationships. Sarah Turcotte, BDO’s National Campus Recruiting Leader, emphasizes that primary purpose of the program is “educational and giving back, trying to help students find the best path for them as individuals and exposing them to new areas they may have an interest in.” She notes the personal growth and development benefits, stating that even if students choose a different path, the experience will serve them throughout their careers.
Open to All
The program welcomes freshman or sophomore, regardless of university, major, GPA, or extracurricular involvement, ensuring no barriers to entry. This initiative guides future professionals into careers that best fit them.
Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Application
The program requires active engagement from participants and is not just about selecting a career or major; it’s a transformative experience that teaches students how their education translates into a professional career. “All mentorship programs and relationships are only as strong as the effort each party gives,” notes Bradley White, Assurance Principal at BDO Phoenix.
The program offers a gateway to success, providing students with the tools and relationships needed to thrive throughout their entire career. Whether clarifying your major or exploring professional opportunities, this program is a steppingstone to a successful future.
To learn more about BDO and their Pathway to Success Program, visit https://www.bdo.com/careers/internship#pathway-to-success.