November 2014 Rodriguez Romero and Schilling Connelly digging deep In less than two months since the inception of the Marquette University Alumni Association Mentor Program, Martin Rodriguez Romero, Eng ’17, and Dr. Jennifer Schilling Connelly, Eng ’99, and an associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, appear to have hit their stride. They have already met thrice, including some in-depth medical discussions at Dr. Connelly’s workplace. “So far, the mentoring program for me has been the vessel to truly understanding today's limitations in health care diagnosis and therapy. Dr. Connelly is not only extremely approachable, she implicitly shows the nature of genuine service-mindedness through her actions,” Martin says. Martin’s advice to other mentees about maximizing the relationship with their mentor? “Without a doubt, my best advice is to not hold back. This is a true opportunity toward making a lasting impact in whatever career we choose,” he says. Right here, right now. Tips to maximize your relationship With class registration for spring semester here and Thanksgiving, finals, and semester break on the horizon, consider these conversation topics now. Which spring semester classes should I take? Mentors have great insights about what classes today can help you tomorrow. A communication major mentor notes in hindsight they should have taken an accounting class based upon their current position as an arts administrator. The possibility of job shadowing your mentor during break. Shadowing your mentor can develop a better understanding of their career, expand your network and introduce you to other jobs you may have never considered. Assess your goals and deadline dates. Remember that completing goals doesn’t always happen overnight. Some such as a mock interview or resume review may require others to be involved aside from your mentor. Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead. Five Questions With...Rob Panther, Arts '86 (Alek Druck, Arts '17, mentee) 1. What suggestions do you have for mentees? Always ask questions. Don't feel like you are a bother when asking for advice. 2. If you’ve had a mentor, what’s one piece of advice that sticks with you every day? Water will always find its right level. Don't worry about what everybody else is doing. Do your best and you'll get what you deserve. 3. Two things you think a Marquette student should do before they graduate. Have dinner at the 4th Base or Five O'Clock Steakhouse. Bring your parents to pick up the check. Students should also spend a week or two on campus in the summer. Read Rob's full interview. Five Questions With...appears in the monthly mentor newsletter and the online mentor toolbox. News Corner: Seven surprising truths about mentors As your mentoring relationship continues, consider this recent post on entrepreneur.com Share mentor advice and get a chance to win Marquette merchandise: If you’ve had a great conversation with your mentor or mentee about a topic you think others might find beneficial, email your insights to Dan Wooters. You could be featured in the mentor monthly enewsletter or online toolbox. All submissions also qualify in a monthly drawing for a Marquette merchandise. Visit the MUAA Mentor Program website for more information or contact Dan DeWeerdt at daniel.deweerdt@marquette.edu or (414) 288-4740.