NEXT CONNECTS: A Mentorship Connection Founded on Business
NEXT CONNECTS is a bi-directional mentorship initiative developed by NEXT for AUTISM. NEXT matches professionals who have established careers with autistic college students who will soon be seeking entry into the workforce. Mentors will provide support as well as collaboratively set personalized mentoring goals, promote career advancement opportunities, engage in knowledge transfer, and expand neuro-inclusive practices in the workplace.
Below are two amazing people who connected as part of the NEXT CONNECTS pilot program in winter 2023. To learn more about NEXT CONNECTS, including signing up as an aspiring professional or established professional, CLICK HERE.
ASPIRING PROFESSIONAL
School: CSU East Bay
Major: MS Statistics
Graduation Year: 2017
Which lesson did you find most helpful and why?
The resume review was quite helpful, since it gave me some concrete tips for how to improve it.
What was one thing you learned from the established professional you were paired with?
I learned about his career path and the challenges he faced and how he got through them.
What was the biggest benefit to participating in the NEXT Connects pilot program? Do you feel that connecting with a professional mentor will be helpful to you in your job search and/or employment?
I definitely feel like connecting with a professional mentor will be helpful in my job search. In addition to the networking contacts, my mentor helped me take an objective look at my situation and decide which jobs are worth applying for and what to say on my application.
ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL
Title: Senior Associate
Business: PwC
Which lesson did you find most helpful and why?
The discussions were all valuable. I believe Intangibles of the workplace are very important and really create the value of each participant, they are tough to actually measure but are arguably the most important. I also enjoyed the resume review, to help my candidate update anything on the list, point out what employers would be looking for etc.
What was your biggest takeaway from the aspiring professional you were paired with?
Being able to stay positive and keep opportunities open. Each professional being different, it was unique to see their perspectives in the group sessions and breakout sessions.
Did you find it rewarding to participate in the NEXT Connects pilot program? Would you recommend participation to your colleagues/peers?
Yes - it was very rewarding, I enjoyed collaborating with aspiring professionals and getting to understand the opportunities presented, struggles endured, and further developing my knowledge of autism.
GET CONNECTED. BE PART OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR AUTISM
- A financial gift to NEXT for AUTISM supports the NEXT CONNECTS program. Make a gift today.
- Learn more about NEXT CONNECTS, including how to sign up as an aspiring professional or an established professional.
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