FSL Professional Mentor Program
FSL Students participating in the Reverse Career Fair
What is a Professional Mentor?
Professional mentors are APSU Faculty and Staff as well as professionals in the community that are assigned to students once they reach their junior and senior years at APSU. These mentors are directly connected to each participant according to their major. They meet FSL students twice a month and send session reports to the FSL office and commit to this position for one academic year.
Professional Mentors support FSL students in the areas of advisement, career readiness, and transition to the workforce. They make sure that contact with the mentee, mainly through face-to-face meetings, is maintained on a regular basis (at least twice a month). Mentors have a successful track record of working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and have a sense of supportiveness coupled with good networking skills. They support students in resume building, interviewing skills, and internship/volunteer opportunities. They receive training and resources from the Learning Specialist Coordinator.
In addition to receiving a stipend, Faculty, Staff and Professional members benefit greatly from the FSL Professional Mentor program. Professional mentors find joy in the experience of helping FSL participants evolve into a confident and competent colleague. FSL students also stimulate Professional mentors to remain on the cutting edge in their fields while gaining a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Professional Mentors can include their knowledge of Autism Spectrum into their professional strategies. Finally, friendship is an evitable outcome of the FSL Professional Mentor program, particularly as FSL students become more socially independent and more career ready.
Professional mentors help FSL students master professional skills and ultimately "learn the ropes" of their perspective career field. FSL students develop many competencies associated with career readiness such as Critical Thinking, oral and written communication, teamwork and collaboration, leadership, professionalism, and career management. Mentees often gain the inside track on job possibilities and early opportunities for leadership and engagement in professional organizations.