Lutgert News

Lutgert Mentorship Program: A Strategic Initiative Creating Lasting Impact

April 06, 2026  / Lutgert News  / Tags: Mentorship, Internships, Careers

The Lutgert College of Business Mentorship Program was built on a simple but powerful idea: that meaningful connections between students and industry professionals create impact far beyond the classroom. With a network of more than 250 mentors spanning industries closely aligned with business majors, the program has matched over 350 students with professionals committed to investing in the next generation of business talent.

Through shadowing opportunities, resume and LinkedIn reviews, interview preparation, and SMART goals development, students build the competencies employers are looking for, and 54 have secured jobs or internships through their mentorship experience. That success, however, is not one-sided. For mentors, the program offers something equally valuable, a direct connection to emerging talent and a meaningful role in shaping the regional workforce. When industry professionals invest in students, the whole community benefits. The stories below capture that two-way impact through the voices of the people who have lived it.

Primary beneficiaries are undergraduate business students who gain professional exposure, structured guidance, and direct access to industry networks.

Industry mentors and regional employers also benefit by building relationships with emerging talent and playing an active role in shaping the future workforce.

The broader Southwest Florida community benefits from stronger alignment between academic preparation and workforce needs.

Through shadowing opportunities, résumé and LinkedIn reviews, interview preparation, and SMART goals development, students build the competencies employers are seeking.

To date:

• 250+ industry mentors are engaged in the program
• 350+ students have been matched with mentors
• 54 students have secured jobs or internships through their mentorship experience

Mentorship relationships are structured and goal-oriented. Students come prepared with defined objectives, agendas, and benchmarks, reinforcing accountability and professional growth.

Beyond individual placements, the program fosters long-term professional relationships and strengthens employer engagement with the College. As participation grows, the potential impact includes expanded internship-to-employment conversion rates, increased mentor representation across industries, and enhanced tracking of post-graduation success.

Anthony Messina, Vice President of Sales at Gartner, has witnessed the impact of the mentorship program in action. Through his work with Adrianna Hall, he saw a level of intention and readiness that reflects the program’s structure and long-term value. For him, the experience goes beyond individual growth and speaks to the strength of the broader business community.

“I believe the mentorship program represents a tremendous opportunity for top talent to be well prepared going into the workforce. The business community benefits because students are able to hit the ground running. They’ve had exposure to professional development and a real understanding of what the day-to-day looks like in the organizations they’re hoping to join.” - Anthony Messina

For Adrianna Hall, Marketing ’26 and a Fall 2024 Mentee, the mentorship program became more than a learning experience. It became a platform for growth, leadership, and visibility. By taking initiative and fully engaging in the experience, she expanded her role from mentee to ambassador, gaining opportunities to represent and advocate for the program.

“I actually got the opportunity to become an ambassador for the program. I’ve presented to new mentees and even spoken at a Lutgert College of Business Advisory Council. None of this would have been possible without the mentorship program.” – Adrianna Hall