Pesce Family Mentoring Institute Merit & Mentorship Badge

Badge Description

The Pesce Family Mentoring Institute empowers students to build meaningful mentoring relationships, develop personal and professional confidence, and engage intentionally in growth-focused activities throughout the academic year. Students who complete all required modules demonstrate commitment, initiative, and active participation in their mentoring journey.

To earn the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute Merit & Mentorship Badge, students must successfully complete the four modules outlined below:

Module 1: Start Your Journey

In this module, students are introduced to the foundation of the mentoring experience. They will develop an understanding of program expectations, learn about the tools and resources available to them, and reflect on their personal goals for the mentoring journey.

To complete Module 1, students must:

• Attend an official Pesce Mentoring Orientation Session, where students will connect with program staff, review expectations, ask questions, and learn best practices for working with a mentor.

Upon completion, students will have a clear sense of what they hope to gain from the program and how to navigate the mentoring relationship successfully.

Module 2: Build Your Path

This module focuses on building a strong, consistent, and professional mentoring relationship. Students will learn to communicate effectively, advocate for themselves, and develop the skills needed to make the most of the mentor–mentee experience.

To complete Module 2, students must:

• Meet with their assigned mentor at least two (2) times over the course of the semester. Meetings may include conversation about academic planning, career interests, leadership development, networking strategies, or personal growth.
• Log all completed meetings in PushFar, document meeting dates/times, and set goals within the system.

By completing this module, students will strengthen their communication skills, cultivate professional habits, and build a supportive relationship with a mentor who is invested in their success.

Module 3: Explore Career Simulation

This module encourages students to gain hands-on exposure to real-world career experiences through a Forage job simulation. Students will explore industry-specific tasks, build practical skills, and reflect on how their academic and career interests align with professional expectations.

To complete Module 3, students must:

• Complete one (1) Forage job simulation experience under the Career Development and Interview Skills category, which can be found under the Career Interest dropdown. Students are encouraged to complete the simulation independently or alongside their mentor.
• Discuss the experience, key takeaways, and results with their mentor during a meeting to reflect on learning outcomes and career alignment.

By completing this module, students will gain insight into professional roles, strengthen career readiness skills, and connect their mentoring experience to real-world applications.

Module 4: Expand Your Reach

This final module encourages students to take an active role in expanding their network, increasing program engagement, and immersing themselves in the Pesce community. Participation in these events helps students apply what they've learned, develop confidence, and practice professional presence.

To complete Module 4, students must:

• Attend at least one (1) Pesce Family Mentoring Institute event and one (1) Career Development Center event, which may include:
  • A formal dinner/speaker event
  • A networking mixer
  • A mentor/mentee Meet & Greet
  • A Career Fair

Through these events, students build connections, gain exposure to new ideas, and demonstrate their commitment to personal and professional development.

Program Completion

Students who complete all four modules will receive the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute Merit & Mentorship Badge, recognizing their dedication, engagement, and successful participation in the mentoring program. This digital badge can be showcased on LinkedIn, Handshake, digital portfolios, and resumes to highlight communication skills, professionalism, initiative, and involvement.