In honor of National Mentoring Month, the Florida State University College of Law has ramped up efforts in January to strengthen student and alumni connections through mentorship initiatives.
Research shows that having a mentor brings many benefits, like greater job satisfaction and faster career growth, with many saying a mentor helped them succeed.
“We have been working to further enhance our already extensive mentorship programming through the platform FSU Law Connect in order to ensure that all of our students can benefit from having the best possible career mentors,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law. “For our students, mentorship from seasoned attorneys provides invaluable guidance, offering professional advice, professional identity growth and increased personal connection to the broader legal community.”
Through FSU Law Connect, students gain access to networking opportunities within the FSU Law alumni community in Florida and throughout the U.S. Alumni mentors, in turn, benefit by helping foster the next generation of legal professionals.
FSU Law has a 97% post-graduation success rate of students entering employment or graduate studies. The increased focus on mentorship is part of a broader initiative to cultivate an engaged alumni network and provide students with the support they need to be successful.
“Joining FSU Law Connect is beneficial for both students and alumni,” said Debra Henley, associate dean for Career Services and Professional Development at FSU College of Law. “We continually hear from students how invaluable those connections are to the advancement of their careers. We also want to remind alumni that now is the time to connect with and mentor students.”
Beyond offering career advancement, mentorship also nurtures personal development. Mentors serve as sounding boards for students, helping them navigate academic pressures, refine their professional goals and hone the skills needed to succeed in a competitive field.
Mentees report higher levels of self-confidence and resilience, making them better equipped to handle obstacles in both their studies and their future careers.
“Meeting with alumnus Erika Barger allowed me to experience law school through her eyes,” said FSU College of Law student Kennedi Ray, who partnered with a mentor through FSU Law Connect. “She advised me on the reality of internships and mistakes to avoid so I could have the most positive experience while pursuing my own internships.”
According to the most recent American Bar Association employment data, FSU Law is ranked 6th in the nation for recent graduate employment. National media outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal and Moody’s, have ranked Florida State among the nation’s best law schools in terms of job placement.
For more information, visit law.fsu.edu.