I'm Mary, a current student at Cork University Business School at University College Cork, studying a BSc in Business Information Systems. Recently, I completed a 6-month Stryker Wise Mentorship Program that will benefit my college experience and my professional and personal growth. Here's how I got on:
Getting Started
We kicked off with an introduction meeting on Microsoft Teams, where we met our mentors. A senior HR manager shared his experiences, explaining how to recognize our talents and make the most of our potential. His advice motivated me to aim higher.
Discovering My Strengths
One of the best parts was taking the Gallup Strengths Test. This helped me identify my strengths and understand how to use them in my career. It was eye-opening and made me more confident in my abilities.
Weekly Meetings with My Mentor
I had weekly meetings with my mentor, who was incredibly helpful in guiding me through student life. She helped me with my LinkedIn profile, making sure it highlighted my skills and experiences effectively. We also worked on my CV and interview skills, preparing me to present myself well to potential employers. Additionally, she shared valuable information about networking, helping me understand how to connect with professionals in my field. I built a strong relationship with my mentor as she gave professional advice in a non-judgemental environment.
Learning About LinkedIn
In our next session, we learned about the importance of LinkedIn. I discovered how to create a strong profile and connect with professionals, which will help me in my job search.
Hands-On Experience
We had three offline meetings. The first was at the Stryker office in Anggrove, where we toured the facility and heard from different team members. It gave us a good sense of the company culture. We took part in group games to break the ice and have fun while on-site.
The second meeting was at the Stryker Innovation Center, where we took part in a speed mentoring session. This allowed me to talk to ten different professionals for five minutes each. I gained valuable insights and made new connections. This session gave me the opportunity to improve my communication skills and get prepared for interviews.
Our final meeting was at the Limerick office, where all mentees presented their experiences over the past six months in the program. It was heartwarming to see the impact this program had on all of us and how beneficial it was for everyone involved.
Skills Gained
Throughout the program, I developed important skills, such as:
- Networking: Meeting mentors and peers helpedme build a professional network.
- Communication: I learned to express my ideas more clearly.
- Self-awareness: Understanding my strengths helped me set career goals.
- Adaptability: Taking part in both online and offline sessions made me more comfortable in different environments.
The Stryker Wise Mentorship Program was a key part of my edducational and career journey. I gained knowledge, skills, and connections that I will use in the future. I encourage anyone looking to grow in their career to seek out mentorship opportunities.
If you would like to learn more about the BSc Business Information Systems degree and the opportunities it provides at Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork (UCC), check out the full programme page here.