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Getting to know one another and exploring calling

Read before you meet:

It would be shortsighted to discuss a profession or career without first exploring the concept of calling—the deep sense of purpose that connects who we are to what God is doing in the world. Calling can be defined as “a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action, especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence.”

Psychologist William Damon reminds us that discovering purpose is not a single event but a process–a journey–of listening and responding over time. In The Path to Purpose, he describes calling as the intersection of three realities: a realistic awareness of one’s abilities, an interest in how those abilities can serve some aspect of the world’s needs, and a feeling of enjoyment in using one’s abilities in this way. Our gifts were never meant to serve ourselves alone—they are meant to bless others.

Similarly, pastor and author John Mark Comer in Garden City writes that our work itself is part of God’s design—an act of co-creation with Him. Vocation, from the Latin vocare (“to call”), invites us to see all work, whether in classrooms, boardrooms, studios, or homes, as a response to God’s ongoing invitation to cultivate and create. When we align our strengths and passions with His purposes, even ordinary tasks become sacred. Yet the journey toward purpose often begins with fear. We hesitate to act, uncertain if we are enough. But as we take that first faithful step, we discover the truth: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Our vocation is less about achieving success and more about becoming faithful stewards of the gifts entrusted to us—using them with courage, humility, and joy for the good of others and the glory of God.

“Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you.” 

— Parker Palmer
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

During your meeting

Get to know one another:

Mentor/Mentee: Come prepared to share about yourself (expand on what you shared when you committed to this program), why you’ve opted into this program, and what you hope to get out of this experience.

Mentor: Share your career journey. How does “discovering purpose” relate to your journey? Incorporate your thoughts about calling and how your story relates to the words of William Damon and John Mark Comer. What makes you feel most alive or "in the zone" 

Mentee: Share your career journey. How are your commitments–academics, extracurriculars, dorm life, relationships–preparing you and inviting you to use your abilities to serve others? What makes you feel most alive or "in the zone"? How might your natural gifts and life experiences reveal your calling?

Looking Ahead:

1. Identify future session dates and times
2. Mentee: Identify one way today’s session encouraged or challenged you. How might you practically and reasonably incorporate this one encouragement or challenge into your life?
3. Review Session 2 and watch the video by your next meeting.

Note & Resources:

This session involves clarifying expectations for the mentoring relationship. Students who express uncertainty about their career interests and struggle to articulate values or skills that motivate them are encouraged to take the  and meet with the Career Resource Center to review it.

Career Readiness & Goal Setting: Moving from student to professional with confidence and resilience

Read before you meet:

The transition from college to a first job is one of the most significant and jarring shifts in a person’s life. It’s exciting, but also filled with uncertainty, pressure, and growing pains. The college environment is a high-challenge, high-support atmosphere. After graduation, expectations may become more unspoken or results-driven. Young adults also experience an identity shift from student to professional, and as a result, navigate taking ownership of their decisions, how they invest their time, and creating new rhythms. Resilience is key in the postgraduate stage. Success is a process, not a destination. 

Each job presents skills and experiences that help young professionals grow and build toward their next role. It is imperative to acknowledge that there is no expectation to have one’s career all figured out – rather, showing up, working hard, and growing are the substance of discovering and building a life of purpose. A first job is most often about learning how to work, not just about what one is doing. With all things new, young professionals are encouraged to give themselves grace as they grow. Career readiness, therefore, is a process of understanding one’s self, interests, and values. As these aspects of career readiness come into focus, students can take their next step with confidence, character, and clarity. It’s not just about being “career-ready” – it’s about being life-ready.

David Brooks suggests the third decade of life is a time not just about freedom and infinite options, but also for creating meaningful commitments. “Your fulfillment in life will not come from how well you explore your freedom and keep your options open… Your fulfillment in life will come by how well you end your freedom.” In one’s twenties, it is tempting to remain open to everything and resist committing to a major, career, or relationship. But Brooks offers the reminder that true fulfillment begins when we choose – whether that’s a vocation, a spouse, or a community – and commit. A well-worn path beats a flashy, endless road of options. 

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” — Philippians 1:6

Watch before you meet: Amy Edmondson:  (7m)

During your meeting:

Mentor: 

Share your post-college transition and lessons learned about resilience and purpose.

Discuss:

1. What part of transitioning from college to a first job feels most exciting? Most daunting?
2. How have you seen God use challenges to develop perseverance and perspective?
3. How can Edmondson’s definition of failing intelligently shape your goals? Brainstorm a goal.

Reflect: 

What new territory do I want to explore? What goal do I want to pursue? What do I need to do to pursue my goal? How is my goal just big enough to learn from?

And consider: Is there a simple daily habit or rhythm to incorporate into your routine that will lead you to your goal? Is there a value you want to deliberately live from? Is there a goal or desire identified in Session 1 to incorporate into your life in an actionable way? (Refer to the SMART Goals Framework in Session 6 to take this to the next level.)

Looking Ahead: 

Review Session 3 and watch the video by your next meeting.

Soft Skills & Workplace Etiquette: Character and communication define how you thrive

Read before you meet:

The reality is that hard skills might land you the job, but soft skills determine how well you thrive once you’re there. Hard skills are the technical abilities (what you know), such as Excel, coding, writing, analysis, or research. Soft skills are how you relate (how you show up, lead, and work with others), which include communication, time management, teamwork, and adaptability. Both are essential, but soft skills are often the reason people are trusted, respected, promoted, or let go. The most common soft skills that lead to employee dismissal include poor communication, inability to take feedback, chronic lateness, disorganization, gossip, negativity, and failure to adapt. These traits aren’t on resumes, but when they show up in the workplace, they can lead to dismissal. Skills might get your foot in the door, but your character is what holds the door open. Be the person others want on their team—not just because you’re skilled, but because you make the team stronger.

Additionally, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and regulate your own emotions, read the room and respond appropriately, navigate conflict without drama, stay calm under pressure, and empathize with coworkers and clients. Travis Bradberry, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, says, “Emotional Intelligence is the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest drive of leadership and personal excellence.” 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23

Watch before you meet: Daniel Goleman:  (12m)

During your meeting:

Discuss:

1. What qualities make someone “great to work with”? Are these qualities components of emotional intelligence?
2. How might the four domains of emotional intelligence presented by Goleman be an opportunity to express faith?
3. Of the four domains of emotional intelligence, which area needs development in your life? After recognizing an area for improvement, identify a realistic way to develop it. And if a goal was identified in sessions 1 or 2, is there a way it could evolve to help develop the area of emotional intelligence identified?

Mentor:

Offer examples of emotional intelligence and practical tips that have helped you or your colleagues succeed.

Goleman’s Four Domains of Emotional Intelligence

• Self-awareness
• Self-management
• Social awareness
• Relationship management

Looking Ahead: 

Review Session 4 and watch the video–note especially the Activity Ideas section and agree on one that is appropriate to your mentorship context to prepare for before your next meeting.

Practical Wisdom and Practical Support: Navigating your career journey with wisdom, humility, and trust

Read before you meet:

A career is often thought to begin after college. But what if a career was understood to begin with a curiosity arising in a class, lab, practice room, or event? What if a career gained greater focus when an experience showed you what you do not like? What if insights such as these led to changing a major or pursuing a curiosity in conversation with a professor or mentor? Doesn’t that sound like the pursuit of that something that expresses who you are and connects with how you can serve others? Recall the definition of career readiness from Session 2: a process of understanding one’s self, one’s interests, and one’s values. Seen this way, whether you have a few months or a few years left at ���ϰٿ�, your career journey has begun. Consider how the practical wisdom below can orient your journey: 

1. Your first job isn’t your forever job. Don’t stress about finding the “perfect” job. Focus on finding a place to learn, grow, and build experience. Start somewhere and be a sponge. You’re not expected to know everything. But curiosity, coachability, and willingness to grow are invaluable.
2. Character will carry you farther than talent–your character is what holds the door open. Once you land your first job, skills matter, but humility, integrity, work ethic, and kindness–expressions of emotional intelligence–open doors that talent alone cannot. Be the kind of person others want on their team. Show up on time. Follow through. Communicate kindly. Be dependable, teachable, and gracious, and you’ll stand out in any field. Be excellent at the little things. That’s how trust is built. Who you are is more important than what you do.
3. Relationships are everything. Build connections and stay curious. The people you connect with – mentors, professors, coworkers – can become door-openers, encouragers, or lifelong friends. Your network is your net worth, but only if you nurture it.
4. Don’t let a job title define your identity. You are not your resume. You are not your LinkedIn bio. Let your worth be rooted in your values, your faith, and your purpose–not your paycheck.
5. Trust the process. God is on the move, but He is not in a hurry. Doors will open. Detours will teach you. Stay faithful in small things and walk with God. 

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”  — Ecclesiastes 3:11 

“Let your light shine before others…” — Matthew 5:16

Watch before you meet: Regina Hartley: (10m)

During your meeting:

Mentor:

Share practical wisdom from your career. Consider what you’ve learned from networking, communication styles, conflict, navigating work environments, etc. Consider introducing your mentee to 2-3 colleagues in your network.

Discuss:

1. What does “career” mean to you? Does defining a career as a journey–including discovery and exploration–provide a helpful reframe? How are expectations shaped by one’s definition of career?
2. Of the practical wisdom shared above, what stands out? What challenges or affirms your outlook?
3. How does Regina Hartley’s presentation challenge or affirm your approach to your career journey?

• Craft a personal mission statement
• Review and update your LinkedIn profile
• Practice your elevator pitch
• Identify one professional to contact for an informational interview

Looking Ahead: 

Review Session 5 and watch the video by your next meeting.

Lifelong Learning & Adaptability: Staying curious, adaptable, and faithful through change

Read before you meet:

Warren Buffett, considered to be one of the best investors of all time, says, “The best investment by far is anything that develops yourself, and it’s not taxed at all…Whatever abilities you have can’t be taken away from you. They can’t actually be inflated away from you.” Buffett’s reputation has earned him a tremendous following, lending his insights influence and approval. Where else have you heard this principle of learning? Have you noticed one of its many forms through friends, co-workers, or parents? A barista, mechanic, barber, teacher?

Lifelong learning is more than a career strategy—it is a posture of the heart that bears a resemblance to the pursuit of wisdom. It reflects an openness to growth, discovery, and transformation in every season of life. True learners never stop asking questions, seeking wisdom, or refining their gifts.

Being a lifelong learner means cultivating curiosity—the courage to wonder, explore, and take risks when the path ahead is uncertain. It means developing adaptability—the willingness to adjust when plans shift or doors close. And it means choosing faithfulness—trusting that God is still at work even when change feels disruptive.

Upskilling, reskilling, and earning micro-credentials are practical ways to stay relevant in an evolving world. Platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Career Certificates present opportunities to build new capabilities and demonstrate initiative. These short-term learning experiences bridge experience gaps, enhance confidence, and sometimes even serve as direct hiring pipelines.

Yet, the goal is not simply to keep up with technology but to grow in wisdom and character as we navigate it. Artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries, creating both opportunities and challenges. The job you train for today may look entirely different (or not exist) in ten years, but the call to be diligent, creative, and faithful remains the same.

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” — Alvin Toffler

“Let us not become weary in doing good…” — Galatians 6:9

Watch before you meet: Angela Duckworth:  (6m)

Discuss

1. What do you think about lifelong learning as being a posture of the heart? What does that mean? How is it practiced?
2. How does Duckworth’s definition of grit and a growth mindset converge with your view of lifelong learning?
3. How does fear inhibit learning? How might fear spark curiosity and fuel courage?
4. What’s one new skill or credential you’d like to pursue next?
5. What AI skills are relevant to your industry? How might these AI skills augment your ability?

Mentor Focus

Share relevant professional associations, courses, or certifications; discuss what’s trending in your industry and how curiosity, adaptability, and faithfulness apply in your context.

Looking Ahead: 

Review Session 6 by your next meeting. Mentee: draft one or two goals using the SMART Goals Framework.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reflecting on growth and moving forward with purpose

Read before you meet:

We hope the mentoring relationship and session topics have helped bridge the gap between college and career, helping students discover how faith and purpose shape their lives and offering alumni a meaningful, tangible way to give back. Mentorship is an indispensable part of the career journey, offering invaluable guidance as students gain confidence in recognizing their strengths, naming the gifts God has entrusted to them, and seeing how those gifts can serve the needs of others. As William Damon reminds us, purpose is found where our talents meet the world’s needs in ways that bring joy and meaning. In discerning that intersection, we begin to see vocation not as a single decision, but as a lifelong response to God’s ongoing call.

John Mark Comer writes in Garden City that work itself is a sacred invitation—a way to join God in cultivating goodness, beauty, and renewal in the world. Whether students or graduates find themselves in classrooms, hospitals, nonprofits, labs, or boardrooms, their work can be an act of worship when done with integrity, creativity, and love.

Our hope is that ���ϰٿ� graduates won’t just get hired, but will lead, serve, and grow wherever they go. That they will see their career journeys as extensions of their calling—to be thoughtful scholars, grateful servants, and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church, and world.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms - 1 Peter 4:10

Prepare before you meet:

Mentee: 

Use the SMART goals framework to write at least 1-2 goals for the next steps in your career journey. Take the time to draft a goal or two that your mentor can respond to

Discuss:

1. What’s one way you’ve grown since the program began?
2. What piece of advice or truth will you carry into your next season?
3. How has this mentoring relationship shaped your confidence and faith?
4. Review SMART goals(s) and refine as appropriate. Establish a form of accountable follow-through.

Mentor Focus:

What do you see in your mentee to affirm? What strengths have you witnessed, and how do you see them contributing to your mentee’s flourishing in work and life?