Building Connections: The Midland University Mentorship Program

So, what are you going to do when you graduate?

It’s a question that every student in their junior and senior year of college is asked as academia comes to an end. And while their degree may be just around the corner, sometimes the career path isn’t quite so clear.

That’s where the Midland University Mentorship Program comes into play. Created by the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) in collaboration with the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce and Midland University, the program is designed to connect students with experienced business leaders to help them better understand and prepare for a career in their chosen field.

“The mentorship has been going very well with me and Jeff Hayden. We’ve been meeting about every two weeks, and I have gotten a lot of beneficial information from him that could help me in my future career, while I have shared my experience in student teaching,” said EDU secondary history major Brock Mulvaney.

The Mentorship Program also underscores GFDC’s mission to bridge the gap between educational institutions, businesses, and job seekers, highlighting the critical role workforce development plays in the growth and success of the community.

A Clearer Path

Salary expectations, growth and development opportunities, industry trends, alternative career options… It’s a lot to consider, especially when your career is just about to launch. That’s why having insight into all these areas can be invaluable to someone just starting out, especially when that information comes from an industry insider, not a random search online.  

When preparing for the program, students are given the opportunity to identify what they’re looking for in a mentor and their career. Questions range from being unsure of a career path to guidance on a dream of starting an investment firm and running for Nebraska’s House of Representatives.

A Guiding Friend

Eight student/professional pairs participated in the 2024/2025 Midland Mentorship Program, which kicked off in January of this year.

In addition to providing professional advice and guidance, mentors also serve as a sounding board to help ease anxieties about transitioning from the classroom to corporate life.

“My mentorship with Brenda has been fantastic. She has been beneficial as a career mentor as well as a guiding friend. I feel that she has connected me with people in fields I have been curious about looking into, and that has helped me ease my nerves in those roles,” said marketing major Abby Spidle. 

The 2025/2026 Midland Mentorship Program will commence in October 2025. Nominations are open, and applications close September 12th. If you’re a business professional who would like to mentor during the upcoming school term, please contact GFDC here for more information. Your impact can be life-changing!  

“I think this program is very valuable,” said education major Mark Harmon.