Mentoring in the 21st Century: Using the Internet to Build Skills and Networks

Abstract

Mentoring has transformed from traditional master-apprentice relationships into multiple developmental relationships that extend beyond functional, organizational, and geographic boundaries. The Internet provides one mechanism for protégés to identify mentors to help navigate career opportunities. The online mentor activity presented here requires students to identify successful business leaders who serve as mentors and assist in developing needed skills. Student-protégés utilize mentoring relationships to ask questions and develop networks, while increasing the connection between course concepts and “the real world.” Often students maintain their relationships after the course, and some supplement this relationship with face-to-face contact. Activity mechanics, variations, and benefits are covered.