Pancratz Mentor Program
The Pancratz Mentor Program provides the opportunity for Nistler CoBPA alumni to mentor current UND students.
Mentees (Students)
The Pancratz Mentor Program is an opportunity for students in the UND Nistler College of Business and Public Administration to connect with experienced professionals through formal mentorship. Mentees will have the ability to develop their professional skills, seek career advice, and begin to build a professional network.
How does it work?
The Pancratz Mentor Program is a cohort-based model. This means that each academic year, a group of mentees begins the program at the same time in the fall semester and graduates from the program in the spring semester of that academic year. The mentees of a cohort get to know each other through unique opportunities to attend Nistler College events, professional development workshops, community involvement events, and social activities.
How are mentor/mentee matches made?
Matches are facilitated through careful consideration of factors such as major, career goals, desired industry, and several other variables. Each mentee’s application and interview provide our staff with important information we use to select a match.
What is the application process?
Applications for the upcoming academic year open in the prior spring semester. Eligible Nistler students are invited to submit applications until the closing date. Once applications are reviewed and students are selected, Pancratz staff matches each student with a professional. Mentees receive their mentors early in the fall semester, and the relationships begin.
Because of the individualized nature of this program, there are a limited number of mentee spots available each year. Eligible students must submit the required application materials by the deadline and interview with Pancratz staff. Students will be notified of their application status before the end of the spring semester.
What are the application eligibility requirements?
- Be an enrolled student in the UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
- Have completed at least one full academic year (second-year student status)
- Have at least one full academic year left as a student
- Be dedicated to the time, energy, and commitment of a full-year mentorship
- Meet with your mentor at least once per month in person, on the phone, or via Zoom
- Agree to fulfill program requirements including attending meetings and events as outlined during the program kickoff each fall semester.
What is the program timeline?
- Applications open in the spring
- Mentees are notified of application status by the end of the spring semester
- Mentees attend a program kickoff event
- Mentors/mentees begin communicating in the fall semester
- Mentees attend required events and complete tasks throughout the program
Benefits of Mentorship
The Pancratz Mentor Program offers many benefits for participating students including:
- Access to the Pancratz Center's tools, resources, and network
- Establishment and growth of a professional network
- Opportunities to strengthen professional communication skills
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Help in defining personal and professional goals and the strategies to achieve them
- Unique insight into internship and full-time employment opportunities
- Knowledge about industry trends and their impacts on future career paths
- Feedback on career preparation materials
Mentors (Alumni)
The Pancratz Mentor Program connects Nistler College of Business & Public Administration alumni with current Nistler CoBPA students to provide support with career and professional development. Mentors volunteer their time and expertise to help students establish and work toward their career development goals.
Pancratz Mentor Eligibility
We welcome applications from UND Nistler College alumni to serve as mentors. Our mentors have:
- Professional experience in business or public administration
- A positive attitude and willingness to lend guidance
- Enthusiasm for leadership within their field
- A passion for helping students succeed
- Open and honest communication style
- Availability to meet in-person, over the phone, or virtually each month with a mentee throughout the duration of the program
A Pancratz staff member will reach out to schedule a conversation regarding your application. Our goal is to facilitate intentional and meaningful matches between mentors and mentees. Just as we invest time in getting to know mentees prior to joining the program, we also get to know potential mentors.
Benefits of Becoming a Mentor
While the benefits to student mentees might be obvious, there are also many rewards to becoming a mentor, including:
- Development of leadership and management skills
- Gaining fresh perspective from future young professionals
- Ability to share the knowledge you've gained and lessons you've learned to help students
- Increasing your company's profile with Nistler CoBPA students, faculty, and staff
- Staying connected to the Nistler CoBPA
Student Testimonials
Ian Johnson
"Dean Bachmeier has been an incredible mentor. Not only has he has helped me obtain an internship with a very reputable organization, but he also continues to share his life advice with me for the coming future. I am very grateful to hear from him and learn what he has to say. He has definitely become more than just a professional mentor."
Olivia Burke
"Mary Fischer, my mentor, is an exceptional individual who exemplifies a strong sense of purpose and determination. Her unwavering focus on achieving her goals is truly inspiring. Her passion for positively impacting the world and promoting empowerment is palpable in everything she does. As my mentor, she has not only guided me in my career development but has also imparted valuable life lessons. It has been a pleasure to have someone as dynamic and dedicated as Mary Fischer mentor me, and her mentorship has been a transformative experience that has enriched my life in many ways."
Hunter Beck
"The best part of the mentorship was the fit with my mentor that I was given. My mentor was able to guide me with interview prep and resume review. He gave great advice and taught me many new things about Network Planning, Route Planning and Airline Optimization. We were communicating over many platforms to make the most of the program with plans to continue post graduation."
Hannah Johnson
"One of my favorite parts of the mentor program was how intentionally I was paired up with my mentor, Macy. I was very blessed to have a mentor that is in the marketing field and working for a non-profit, which is the type of business I am going to work for. Not only that but Macy and I had similar personalities and she was easy to click with! Macy is an amazing mentor because she gave incredible advice and guidance, she was honest, encouraging, and a huge supporter. I have gained so much insight and guidance into what my career could look like outside of the classroom, which is truly invaluable!"