On Monday, Nov. 8, the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication will launch “Murrow First,” a mentor program for the approximately 35% of Murrow students across the WSU system who identify as the first in their families to go to college.
Kicking off on National First-Gen Day, the program strategically partners students with alumni mentors to advance undergraduate career readiness. Mentors represent diverse areas of the communication industry, including news, production, digital content, media entrepreneurship, advertising, public relations, risk communication, and health promotion.
The inaugural cohort of 40 students represents communication students from the Everett, Global, Vancouver, and Pullman campuses. Weekly meetings between mentors and mentees serve to exchange knowledge and shared passions. Mentors share insider industry tips, give career advice, and develop networking opportunities for their mentees. “As a first-gen student it’s really nice to have resources,” said Jackee Smith, Murrow College senior. “Especially in my senior year, the mentor program can help me blend college and experience, building a bridge between me graduating and going into the real world.”
The Murrow First program is every bit as significant to mentors as to mentees. Murrow alum Emily Mattson, digital marketing specialist, believes that serving as a mentor is about giving back. “When I was a student in the Murrow College, I was fortunate enough to have a great mentor who helped me polish my resume, prepare for informational interviews, and review my offer letter,” Mattson said. “It was great to gain outside perspective from someone who had been in my shoes before. I’m looking forward to giving back as a mentor and helping a student build a strong foundation for the start of their career!”
For more information about the program, visit the Murrow First webpage.
