Mentor programs
Informal and formal mentoring programs are among the most common programs to cultivate relationship building and aid in fostering retention and advancement in the workplace. Mentors generally provide a sounding board for junior persons and insight about an organization.
Most successful senior managers attribute a major portion of their success to the benefit of a rewarding relationship with one or more mentors at key stages in their careers. Some mentoring programs focus on women and minorities with high potential for promotion and leadership; interns may be paired with a mentor who is at the level of assistant vice president or vice president, and the mentor and mentee periodically meet one-on-one. In addition, internal associations or networks are often available to complement a firm's mentoring programs and help employees feel that they belong in an organization.
When you begin a new job, seek out information on mentoring programs and learn about the criteria for participation.
If you’re interested in being a summer intern, start early. Send your resume in December or January. Firms begin contacting prospective interns as early as February. Based on preference and academic background, internship offers are generally made in March, and programs begin in early May, lasting 10-12 weeks.