Speaking of Mentors

Reading the blog on the Importance of Having a Mentor made me look back over my college career for the people who have influenced me most. CAFNR has ample opportunities for students to seek out mentors such as the CAFNR Connections program, but I think most students would agree that some mentors seem to find you.

One of the most influential people in my college experience was Megan Cooper. Megan was a senior majoring in Ag Journalism when I was a freshman. She helped me decide what classes to take and which clubs to get involved with, as well as what activities to avoid. Megan went above and beyond what I asked of her and wanted nothing in return. I went to her for advice on classes and she volunteered advice on life.

As I think about all of the things I learned from Megan, it becomes clear that she had more to teach me than just how to survive the Journalism school, she was a role model for how to treat others and also how to look out for yourself.

I became a member of Sigma Alpha sorority my freshman year and was given another opportunity to watch Megan work. It impressed me how well she balanced professionalism with fun. She knew how to handle any task efficiently, but wanted to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves too.

After graduation, Megan continued to stay in contact with me during my summer internship that had me living far from home by myself. She called weekly to make sure I was doing okay and see that I was making a good impression.

Throughout the rest of my time in CAFNR, it has been impossible to forget the lessons that Megan taught me. Simply by watching her, I’ve learned the importance of looking out for others in need and always acting as a professional. Megan had no way of knowing that her simply actions would have such an impact on a scared freshman, and it is my hope that through attempting to emulate her kindness towards others I have made at least some small impact on those following in my footsteps.

-Taryn Dameron

Agricultural Education, graduate student

Agricultural Journalism, December 2008 graduate

Click here to find out how to take advantage of CAFNR Connections.

The Importance of Having a Mentor

CAFNR students are back in the classroom, so it's time to get back into the world of blogging. We're excited to present Amy Jo Clark as the first author in our employer series.


In today’s professional world, new graduates are technically and tactically savvy, but they are often missing an important piece of the puzzle that previous working generations relied upon: the human connection. The reliance on technology, the ease of quick communication modes, and the trend of autonomous work styles have created the need for companies to implement organized mentoring programs to pinpoint rising leaders in their organizations and transfer crucial knowledge from one generation of workers to the next. By definition, a mentor is similar to a personal coach. Gaining a mentor can help a newbie understand how things function in her workspace, giving valuable insight on procedures and the idiosyncrasies that are applicable to that particular work environment. In addition to increasing employee retention and satisfaction, a mentoring relationship can catapult the one mentored into increased professional success. In fact, some human resource studies have shown that a mentored employee, on average, makes more money than her non-mentored counterparts.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50 percent of federal employees and 70 percent of federal senior managers will be eligible to retire by 2010. Now more than ever, a seamless transfer of knowledge and corporate know-how are crucial for both businesses and individuals to thrive. Mentoring is key in cultivating leadership skills and transferring these types of critical competencies. Much like that amazing professor you remember from undergraduate school, a good mentor can be influential beyond just a work environment. Although a mentoring relationship is professional in nature, a truly good mentor is someone you will more than likely emulate on an ethical and personal level as well. Most often, it’s the employer/subordinate model that lends itself to a natural mentoring relationship. However, there are many other avenues one can take to obtain a mentor. While some companies offer built-in mentoring programs, others have sought out mentors through professional and trade entities, by networking at local and regional industry events, or through external training classes given by these types of organizations. Extending yourself beyond your daily work walls may prove to be the best way to get out and see what other people are doing in your industry, thereby increasing your chance to meet potential mentors. And expect to have more than one mentor during the course of your career, as they may vary as much as the work you’ll do.

For more information on setting up a mentoring program in your company, see http://www.ehow.com/how_2076455_set-up-company-mentoring-program.html

Amy Jo Clark brings communications consulting and management experience to her role as Communications Associate at ABG. For over 14 years, Amy Jo has been delivering communications solutions to clients in the pharmaceutical, financial, and information technology fields. She has been an Adjunct Professor of Communications at IUPUI in Indianapolis for four years and has developed curricula and learning deliverables in both university and corporate settings. Amy Jo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Rhetoric and Composition from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Communications from Southern Polytechnic State University.