Executive Mentor Program

The objective of the Executive Mentor Program for College of Business Freshmen at Loyola University New Orleans is to advise students and introduce different types of jobs and or careers available and provide networking opportunities to them. In the mentor program the business students are assigned a mentor, who is working in the field that you would one day like to be working in as well. This allows the student to ask question to help them better decide if this is what they really want to pursue in a career. Our mentor, Ralph Litolf would discuss different topics involving the business world today, and also take us on an occasional field trip, usually dinner, and for a college student free food is always appreciated. To me the experience that I valued the most throughout the program was being involved in our mentor groups, so that we all understood why we were in the field of Accounting. Having this mentor program reassured my decision to pursue a career in Accounting. In going into the program, I just figured that it would be another school assignment, one that I wouldn’t look forward to. After being involved with this program for a semester, I am so glad that it was a requirement, not only did I meet more of my fellow classmates, but I also got to know a lot more about the major that I was pursuing. Many of my high school friends are also going into the business field, but they we not given the opportunity to participate in the mentor program. To these friends I would recommend that they go out and speak to some business people that are working in the field that they are pursuing. This will give them a broader outlook on their career and give them the opportunity to ask someone who has gone through business school questions to help them succeed in their future years. As for next semester, I am extremely excited to participate in the mentor program again. I look forward to my business communications class and participating in other college of business events. I hope to maybe join one of the business clubs. Although I am excited for Christmas break, I am extremely excited about returning to finish out my freshman year here at Loyola. After going through my first semester in the college of business, I have learned to become very fond of several sources that keep me up-to-date with the business world. To the readers of my blog I would recommend reading CNN, Business week and Time. Have a good break.

Wolves on The Prowl

On Saturday November 8, all of the college of business students were required to participate in a service activity called Wolves on the Prowl. My first thoughts of this were that I didn't want to be anywhere except my bed at 8o'clock in the morning. But, since I was required I got up and drove across the lake to get my attendance points. When I arrived I signed in and waited until they placed us into groups according to the activity. At first, I decided to help out with the children's field day, but after all the groups were formed, there was once group that had only about five people in it. Dr. Reed bribed us with bonus points, so of course many of us jumped on the opportunity. When I joined the group, I had no idea what Wilson Charter School was. I jumped on the bus and the whole ride there all I thought was what in the world are we going to be doing. When we arrived we were welcomed by many of the members of the school faculty. After the warm welcome, my group followed one of the teachers to her classroom. Our job was to help her create new ideas for her outdated bulletin boards. After putting our heads together we created both a math board and an English writing board. We were to take down all of the children's old work and replace it with the new work. When we were taking down some of the old work we came across many brilliant children with hopes and dreams to become bright individuals. This part of the volunteering is what touched me the most. It showed me that the children were willing and eager to make something of themselves. Although this was only a fourth grade class's work, they were very articulate and seemed well educated for that grade level. This showed us that this school was indeed continuing education in a great way. After completing my volunteer work, I got back on the bus that was headed back to campus, when I got back on the bus I thought to myself of how I was thinking on my way to the site and how I was thinking now. My point of view was changed radically. Volunteering with this school not only touched me but it showed me that others need help. Even though replacing a bulletin board is minor, in the eyes of the members of that school, it was a great help. After helping out in this volunteer program, it has opened my eyes to other programs around the city of New Orleans. One of the many programs is the Hope House. This organization does a variety of things to help the members of the community. They help with children programs, ministry programs, and emergency assistance. This is just another organization that has a mission that has the goal of helping fellow people. Their mission states that Hope House is aimed to be a gospel people, a visible sign of Christian community; To manifest the human concern of Jesus for all people; To live and work with the poor; To foster dignity and worth in those with whom we live and work; To help create a society in which truth and justice abide. All and all, this experience is one that will be remembered, and that has taught me to help others even if it is just a little. I would like to thank the college of business for making this an opportunity for it students.