MENTORSHIP
THE PROGRAM
The ABAC Mentorship Program is an opportunity for ABAC Members to grow, learn, and share skills with Communications, Media, Marketing and Advertising students at Georgia State University, the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. The AMP is a goal-based program, where mentors support their assigned student’s growth in social and professional leadership, exposure to “real world” working experiences and skills and general advice pertaining to employment opportunities, curriculum development and other categories as needed.
Mentors are matched with Mentees based on common goals and interests. This allows both parties to grow, hold each other accountable, get out of their comfort zones, and gain skills that will be mutually beneficial moving forward.
The ABAC Mentorship Program is a unique opportunity for both graduate and undergraduate students at our respective edu partner institutions, where ABAC members will serve as a vital part of the success of the program. Working as the bridge of inclusion, assisting students in gaining self-confidence backed by experience as they enter the workforce for the first time.
In addition to the formal responsibilities listed below, the ABAC Mentorship Chairs will host events throughout the year, including volunteer opportunities, networking events and educational lunch and learns throughout the greater-Atlanta community that will give Mentors a chance to have face to face engagement with their Mentees. These events are open to all mentors and mentees in addition to other ABAC members so if your schedule is tight and you can’t commit to being a mentor but want to get involved, this is a great opportunity to hang out, get to know some of the students and mentors, and assist in creating a more inclusive environment within ABAC.
Each role is a annual commitment ( October 2024 – May 2025 ), with applications opening for the Fall on July 1st. After submitting your application, you will be contacted for a brief interview and provided with additional information on upcoming trainings and events.
Eligibility
Mentees- All University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University students of all class levels and majors may apply. This program is a great opportunity for local college students to get real world experience and help position them for a career in broadcast or digital advertising, marketing and sales.
Application
Mentors
Primary Mentor Responsibilities include: (At least 5 years of work experience is required)
- Completing monthly calls with students
- Setting and working toward goals of an understanding of your role, day to day duties, skill sets required, shadowing opportunities, networking, internships where available
- Connecting students with professional organizations, companies or people of interest
- Attending monthly workshops and events
- Initiating and corresponding with student’s on a regular basis
- Attendance at 10/3 introduction and kick off event
Qualities of a Mentor :
- Reliable – someone who maintains personal commitments
- Goal-Oriented – someone who can set clear goals and outline paths to reach those goals
- Innovative – an ability to think outside the box
Mentees
Prospective mentees- please send your completed application and resume via email. Selected applicants will undergo an interview/screening process.
- Sean Jones – UGA
- Susan Russell Alexander – Georgia State
- Darryn Persaud – KSU
Suggested Mentor/Mentee Activities
- Half Day Shadow:Get a true sense of your Mentor in “real life” work situations
- Professional Development:Work on presentation skills, appearance, body language, follow up, interview skills, and review resume
- Full Day in the Office:Introduce mentee to other departments in the office while job shadowing
- Attend Media Events with your Mentor:AWM, ABAC, AIMA Events are great opportunities to network with people who could be potential contacts for internships/jobs in the Greater Atlanta area.
Companies Currently Involved
Companies providing mentors may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- CNN
- 22squared
- Cox Media
- Initiative
- Meredith
- Katz Media Group
- Group M
- Engauge
- Zenith Optimedia
- BBDO
- Comcast Spotlight
- Pandora
- iHeartMedia
- FOX Sports South
- Atlanta Hawks
- Telemundo
- Omnicom Media
- CBS
- PHD
- SapientRazorfish
- NCC Media
- Sagepath
