The BethelBiz mentorship program runs for the academic calendar year, kicking off the last week of September and concluding the first week of May. Mentors and mentees meet individually once a month. We also expect mentors and mentees to attend our three main events each year: a kickoff event in late September, a mid-year event focused on giving students opportunities for career exploration, and a year-end celebration. BethelBiz is designed to be student-driven, with students responsible for scheduling monthly meetings and bringing topics to discuss. The program is designed for sophomore, junior, and senior undergrad business students at Bethel. In addition, we have many students who participate from other majors like political science, computer science, and those pursuing roles in the healthcare sector.
Our Vision
We connect students with alumni and business professionals to pursue faith as a community and to follow our callings together. Our mentors serve as guides, friends, and resources who help pave the way for students to succeed at Bethel and, ultimately, in the business world. Then we strive to embody our faith in the workplace and pursue Christ in every facet of our lives.
Our Mission
BethelBiz pairs students with a mentor to promote excellence in the business community, the classroom, and the church. By investing in the life of a mentee, our mentors help prepare them to lead and serve with excellence in every aspect of life.
Our Values
Throughout the mentoring process, BethelBiz promotes the values of intentionality, transparency, and accountability:
- Intentionality: Deliberately focus your efforts and take the actions needed to have a successful mentorship. For example, be intentional in setting clear and specific goals, be intentional in meeting preparation, and demonstrate initiative and an eagerness to learn.
- Transparency: Be open and vulnerable. Listen well. Be yourself, share your struggles, challenges, and failures. The more you open up, the deeper the connection.
- Accountability: Take ownership and personal responsibility for the goals set for the relationship. For example, hold yourself and your mentor/mentee accountable for responsiveness, timeliness, and open and honest communication.
This program has set me up with real knowledge about the business world. Meaningful conversations happen every time I meet with my mentor. This program is a no-brainer, and I wish I could have signed up sooner.
Alex Vollmer ’22
The BethelBiz mentorship program was by far one of the most impactful aspects of my college education. The knowledge, connections, and relationships I gained through BethelBiz were incomparable to anything I learned in a classroom. I am grateful to have been part of this program and I look forward to continuing my relationship with my mentor outside of Bethel.
Michael Piehler '22
Mentoring has provided encouragement, that our future leaders desire Kingdom values to be present in their careers, community, and daily walk. Each session provides an open dialogue to share unique experiences that have shaped us and given direction. In addition, the ability to promote networking opportunities with colleagues and Bethel alums is exhilarating! Incredible opportunity!
Scott WoldSenior Manager at Ecolab's Controller's Group
BethelBiz was one of my greatest blessings during my time at Bethel. It gave me the opportunity to build both a professional and personal relationship with someone who has been in the same shoes as me before. God has a mission for each of us, and my mentor was able to meet me where I was at while helping me become the person He has called me to be!
Anne-Marie Manning ’20
Mentorship has been a meaningful way by which I can give back on a personal level as a Bethel alum. This is an opportunity to encourage, empower, and give hope to the future leadership of our organizations and country.
Becca HoeftChief Brand Officer at Sunrise Banks
Mentoring Bethel Royals for workplace realities honors His word and is indeed a privilege to serve. I’ve consistently found Bethel mentees to be among the brightest, most curious, coachable, reflective, critical thinking next generation of servant leaders I’ve met. Because my team has hired many Royals, I’ve again had the privilege of watching their IQ and EQ enable them to rise above their peers. The gifts mentee and mentors share through time together—and beyond—are rich and plentiful.
John BeachamChief Information Officer
BethelBiz connects talented, accomplished and excited-to-give-back alumni with Bethel students and facilitates a rich mentorship between the two. My two mentor placements have been excellent, helping me grow not just in my business network and exposure, but also personally and spiritually.
Ben Hernes ’21