BYU junior and senior students seeking careers in intelligence gathered at a mentorship meet-up hosted by the BYU Kennedy Center for International Studies on May 14.
They learned how to get paired with mentors through the center’s official mentoring program. The Kennedy Center offers several initiatives to help students build connections in the fields of international studies and intelligence.
The mentorship program is specifically designed to jump-start students’ career exploration by connecting them with BYU alumni and sponsored professionals in related fields.
“Seeing what is out there is hopeful,” Cory Leonard, associate director of the Kennedy Center, said. “Mentors can help you launch your career because they are doing it, they are right there in the thick of it.”
Leonard opened the session by emphasizing the value of mentorship as the central focus of the program, explaining how students will be paired with mentors and how those relationships can benefit their job search.
While mentorship is an essential step in career development, Leonard urged students to approach it on a personal level.
“The most important thing is that you are building relationships with these people,” Leonard said. “Your network is probably one of the most valuable things you’re getting out of your education.”
The mentoring program includes three required interactions between mentor and mentee over the spring and summer. Both parties are asked to provide feedback after each engagement.
“I feel like students always forget that one of the biggest benefits of a university is the network,” Kiki Aldridge, student mentor coordinator and facilitator, said. “Your network is so important, and I wish people would start earlier and be proactive and curious to do more.”
Stephen Gardner, a recent participant in the program, said he hopes to gain clarity about his career path.
“My biggest goal is to get actual knowledge for how to begin exploring and looking for jobs in my career — really create a drawn-out path for my career with their help,” Gardner said.
To participate, students must attend a mentor orientation “boot camp” on May 21, commit to three mentor meetings and apply for membership in the BYU International Society.
Mentees are paired with mentors based on shared interests and relevant experience.
“I’m really excited to meet my mentor and hope they can become a friend too,” Gardner said.
The program is open to all juniors and seniors interested in international relations or related fields.
Mentors include professionals from intelligence agencies, law and government.
“Your mentors want to build a relationship with you — they’re excited to help you,” Aldridge said. “Mentors also want you to be proactive and come to them with questions and options in mind.”
Leonard closed the event by encouraging students to take full advantage of the program and to build lasting, meaningful professional connections.
Students interested in applying can learn more at https://iss.byu.edu/.