Graduate Business Mentor Program

The aim of the Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) is to connect professionals with current graduate business students to form a mentor-mentee relationship. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to build a deep, one-on-one relationship with an accomplished professional while vastly expanding their professional network. In addition to career insights, mentees will strengthen career readiness and essential soft skills that are critical to success in today鈥檚 workplace. Mentors will be able to make a meaningful difference in the 黑料网 graduate business community by giving their time and expertise to help a student grow to their greatest potential, both personally and professionally.

Graduate Business Career Services (GBCS) will provide training on best practices when it comes to managing mentoring relationship, as well as guidance on suggested activities and discussion topics for mentoring meetings.

Mentors

Sign up now until Friday, January 2, 2026 to serve as a mentor in the Spring 2026 Graduate Business Mentor Program. 

  1. To sign up to serve as a mentor click here: 
  2. Once you are on the page click 鈥淛oin鈥
  3. If you do not already have a BeachNexus profile, you will click on 鈥淒on't have an account? Sign up鈥
  4. You will create your profile that will be accessible to students when viewing mentors and you can link your LinkedIn profile
  5. Complete questions about your interest in the mentor program 鈥 these will assist in the matching process. Be sure to answer 鈥淵es鈥 to 鈥淎re you willing to be a long-term mentor鈥 and indicate how many students you would like to mentor
  6. Once you complete the process, your account will be reviewed and confirmed. You will receive confirmation once you have been approved. If you do not receive a confirmation for the GBMP, please contact Graduate Business Career Services at cob-gbcs@csulb.edu.  

Mentees

Applications for mentees will be available in Spring 2026.  Check out your 黑料网 student email for more information in January 2026!  

Mentor Testimonials

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Melissa Villaflor, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Melissa Villaflor

Being a part of the Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP), both as a mentee during my MBA program and now a mentor, has been a rewarding experience. As a mentee, I discovered key skills upon entering the workforce as an entry-level employee. As a mentor, I was able to teach the invaluable lessons I've learned in my first years as an analyst - full circle moment! This was an opportunity to give back to the university that gave me so much. I encourage other professionals to participate in this program as it can connect you to the students you once were. You can encourage, inspire, and learn more about yourself than you'd imagine. This program has done so much for me, and I hope that I can make an impact on future professionals!

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Michael Elmore, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Micheal Elmore

Acting as a mentor to students has been a great experience and very rewarding. As a 黑料网 alumni of the undergraduate and graduate business programs, my goal is to help individuals understand "how things work" to 
facilitate their life path. I did not have that benefit and had to learn things for myself. I emphasis life balance, 
encouraging individuals to understand their tolerance for risk, and how to interact in various situations to achieve their goals.

 

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Janeen Marquardt, Graduate Business Mentor Program mentor

Janeen Marquardt

The 黑料网 Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) is an excellent way to give back to the community as a whole and to the students who really need guidance as to how to succeed in "the real world" today. The business landscape changes so quickly, it is always helpful to have people who are experienced and involved in the day to day providing tips to those just entering or even re-entering on how to be best prepared. This program pairs 
students with mentors to help both people grow and its really wonderful to be part of it.

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Daniel Kubo, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Daniel Kubo

Being part of the 黑料网 Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Being a mentor means that I get to share my own experience from the Graduate Program and provide valuable insight that will hopefully help set my mentees up for success. It has also taught me how to 
provide better guidance and support to those that are on the same journey. This skill continues to be valuable as I grow in my own career, as I will use similar coaching strategies with my own team. My goal is to help empower my mentee, and provide extra tricks and tips while they make their way through their graduate degree.

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Priyanka Malla, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Priyanka Malla

Serving as a mentor in the Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) has been one of the most rewarding 
experiences of my career. Guiding emerging professionals through real-world challenges sharpened my coaching and leadership skills, expanded my ability to communicate complex concepts, and deepened my strategic 
thinking. Watching mentees apply new insights to their projects reinforced my own knowledge and kept me 
current on industry trends. The structured curriculum and peer-mentor community provided invaluable support and fresh perspectives. I encourage seasoned professionals to join as mentors鈥攊t鈥檚 a powerful way to give back, refine your own expertise, and build a network of future leaders.

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Ryan Scanlon, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Ryan Scanlon

I've really enjoyed working with 黑料网's business grad students through the Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP). 黑料网 always attracts very curious, courteous, and industrious young professionals - I love being able to offer any type of guidance, from direct grad school insight to professional coaching. Mentees have come to me to discuss their resume, interviewing skills, professional trajectory, and more. It's been a rewarding program for both sides! Multiple mentees have kept in touch and updated me on their awesome growth.

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Katja Crusius, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Katja Crusius

Participating in the Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Since graduating from the MS in Information Systems in May 2023, staying connected through this program has allowed me to give back to a community that played a huge role in my growth. During my time at 黑料网, I was super involved on campus, especially with Beta Alpha Psi and the Association for Information Systems and was able to learn a lot from alumni as well. Continuing to support current students really feels like coming full circle. It's been amazing to share insights, help mentees navigate their paths, and hear about their journeys. When I mentor, I don鈥檛 just share my knowledge鈥擨 revisit it. That process helps me grow too, since I鈥檓 always thinking about how I can improve and apply what I鈥檝e learned more intentionally.

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Leila Korjani, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Leila Korjani

Participating as a mentor in the Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) has been an immensely rewarding experience. It has allowed me to give back to the community, broaden my professional network, and positively influence a mentee鈥檚 career development. I highly encourage fellow alumni to consider becoming mentors. The program offers a unique opportunity to share expertise, foster personal and professional growth, and help shape the next generation of business leaders.

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Kaitlin Sanchez, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Kaitlin Sanchez 

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a mentor with the 黑料网 Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP). Helping students navigate career paths is an incredibly rewarding experience and an excellent way to support our professional and educational communities. I encourage everyone, no matter your field, to get involved with the GBMP. You have more to offer than you realize, and the students will benefit from your suppor

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Andre Davis, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Andre Davis

It鈥檚 always fun to give back, and I hope something I shared was able to help out a mentee - even if it鈥檚 just a little.

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Sean Boatman, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Sean Boatman

Mentorship is rewarding on many levels but most obvious is the direct impact for each mentee. Helping them navigate the transition from college to professional life is an honor.

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Brandon McDonald, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Brandon McDonald

Overall great experience. Provided a great opportunity to give back to a school that gave a lot to me and support a young professional feel prepared for their next chapter in life.

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Randi Willis, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentor

Randi Willis

Great program! It was a rewarding experience to be able to help guide my mentee on her journey to finding her career path.

Mentee Testimonials

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Hassan Abdulkarim, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Hassan Abdulkarim

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) helped me gain real-world insights, build confidence, and receive guidance from an experienced professional. I highly recommend it to students looking to grow their network and better prepare for their careers.

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Elizabeth Rodriguez, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Elizabeth Rodriguez

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) helped me connect with a mentor that had already graduated with her master's degree and was already working on my field of study. They provided insight into the work/life/ school balance. They offered great job interview information and resume tips.

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Emilia Chou, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Emilia Chou

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) gave me the chance to connect with a knowledgeable and 
supportive mentor who helped guide my career development. Through personalized resume feedback and 
valuable networking advice, I gained more clarity and confidence in pursuing my goals. I highly recommend this program to any student looking to grow professionally and make meaningful connections in their field.

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Traneka Harris, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Traneka Harris

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) helped me overcome the anxiety I had about putting myself out there and connecting with others professionally. My mentor encouraged me to see the job search, interviews, and even resume writing as a process of learning how to confidently sell myself and my strengths. Their support made a huge difference in helping me shift my mindset and start taking action toward my goals. I highly 
recommend this program to other students who may be unsure or hesitant having someone in your corner who believes in you really helps you believe in yourself.

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Shantanu Tumbde, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Shantanu Tumbde

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) has been one of the most impactful experiences of my semester. As an international student, being paired with a mentor who could relate to my background and challenges made a huge difference. Mentor's guidance not only helped me upgrade my skills and clarify my academic and career goals but also provided a clear roadmap for both my short- and long-term plans. What stood out the most was mentor's ability to simplify complex concepts, making them easier to understand and apply. The GBMP was a valuable opportunity, and I strongly recommend this program to any student looking to grow, gain direction, and feel supported throughout their journey.

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Veronica Ruston, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Veronica Ruston 

My mentor encouraged me to explore career paths beyond accounting, helping me see potential in areas I hadn鈥檛 previously considered. She inspired me to believe in my ability to succeed outside of my comfort zone and guided me to explore roles that better align with my interests and strengths. Her support expanded my 
perspective and gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I might have overlooked.

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Leslie Salazar, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Leslie Salazar 

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) offers a great experience and connects you with mentors that best fit you. Finishing up my first semester my mentor offered me valuable advice and answered all my questions. I'm happy to have participated in the Graduate Business Mentor Program.

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Alejandro Diaz, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Alejandro Diaz

Such an amazing experience! I cannot believe how much I have grown this semester thanks to the Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP).  

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Robert Torres, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Robert Torres

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) gave me one more reason to keep my studies in mind. These moments aggregate and contribute towards a stronger alignment with professional endeavors.   

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Gigi Givens, Graduate Business Mentor Program Mentee

Gigi Givens

The Graduate Business Mentor Program (GBMP) is a great opportunity to get insight into the careers/industries you are interested in. My mentor helped me gain confidence in myself, learn the key skills needed to succeed in my dream role, and tailor my resume to show off my strengths and qualifications. If you鈥檙e looking for direct guidance in your professional journey, this is the best program to be a part of!