“Professionals Preparing Students for their Careers” The Pesce Family Mentoring Institute at William Paterson University helps prepare students for their careers or graduate education by individually matching them with a mentor who can offer them career advice and guidance. Mentors are successful professionals, including alumni and community partners who share their experiences and valuable life lessons with their mentees. A Mentee is a student who is ready to plan for his or her future and would benefit from the wisdom of a mentor. Mentors and Mentees work together to establish and meet the goals they set. The Pesce Family Mentoring Institute was made possible through a generous gift by Board of Trustee member William Pesce and his family to the William Paterson University Foundation. The Pesce Family Mentoring Institute is housed within the Career Development Center. 97% of Pesce Mentees from the class of 2020 indicated that they are working or are going to graduate school compared to 71% of WP Graduates not involved in the mentoring program. Mentor/Mentee Testimonials: "It's excellent to have someone to go to and share my ideas with. My mentor makes me want to travel, move and shake and see the world. I now know the importance of broadening and expanding my network." - Bria, WP student on her experience with a Pesce Family Mentoring Institute mentor "It's been terrific working with young people who want to learn about what's going on in the world. I really like giving back." - John, Pesce Family Mentoring Institute mentor on his experience working with a WP student “Things with my mentor are going great! I have met with her consistently and I will be shadowing her at her practice this week! I am really excited. She is incredibly knowledgeable and is such an eager mentor. She has taught me so much - everything from the medical school application process, to how medical school really is, the different specialties/fields, and how private practice works, I can't thank you and the Institute enough for providing me this wonderful opportunity.” - Jessica, WP student on her experience with a Pesce Family Mentoring Institute mentor
