Webster Geneva Campus Launches Joint Mentoring Program

Webster Geneva Campus was proud to launch its first Joint Mentoring Program with the American International Club of Geneva, on Nov. 11, 2024, led by Ryan Guffey, PhD, director-general of Webster’s Office of Global Campuses, and Phillip G. Sundquist, CFA, CAIA, president of the American International Club of Geneva.

This unique program, running from November 2024 to April 2025, will offer an incredible opportunity for undergraduate students to gain mentorship from industry leaders and expand their professional networks.

Students, selected from countries including Cote d’Ivoire, Ukraine, Albania, the United States, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation, enrolled in either a bachelor’s program in Business Administration, International Relations, Computer Science or Business Management, had their first meeting with their industry leading mentors. Mentors are professionals coming from either the private sector (HR consultant, tech company, private banking, family office, management consultant), the public sector or UN (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Impact Hub Lausanne). 

Mentors, such as Craig Smallbone, (ex-Head of Global Human Resources of Trafigura - private sector commodities and trading, now HR consultant) shared his expertise, “I am committed to developing people, to help them reach their potential and am proud to be part of the program.” 

Nancy Duppenthaler, entrepreneur and management consultant, shared her hopes while serving as a mentor, “I would like to provide tools and recommendations for concise action plans and give back.”

The goal of the Mentoring Program is to support and enhance our students’ expertise on the market and professional development, providing a confidential space to address their questions about their future and offer opportunities to develop their competencies.

The student’s objectives are to receive a personalized career guidance, gain a deep understanding of the market, align and improve their current skills and get advice on a successful transition from academic to professional world. Students have been paired with a mentor – a professional who is ready to listen, inspire, help them navigate challenges and identify opportunities for their future. At the same time, students’ questions and their perspectives on the industry will challenge mentors. The mentee and mentor guideline  will support both in defining their objectives, staying focused and making the most of the program.

Webster Geneva Campus looks forward to the lasting impact this program will have on students, shaping their careers and strengthening connections with the community.