Center for Retailing Excellence Kicks Off Mentoring Circle for Students

Photo by Becca Clifton

Corporate leaders mentor Walton honors students through the Center for Retailing Excellence's Mentoring Circle program.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Students and business leaders gathered to kick off the 2017-18 Mentoring Circles, sponsored by the Center for Retailing Excellence in conjunction with the Walton Honors Program and Walton Career Services at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. 

"Mentors have made a critical impact on my career journey, and I want each of our students to have this opportunity," said Jessica Salmon, director of the Center for Retailing Excellence. "The best mentor relationships are two-way: the mentors learn just as much as the mentees. As shared at our gathering, everyone will get out of it what they put into it."

Twenty corporate members of the Center for Retailing Excellence were matched with nearly 85 Walton honors students on Oct. 25 to discuss experiences, how to begin to navigate a career and some of the life decisions that are part of the college experience. The industry leaders and students will continue to meet through the academic year to discuss professionalism, communications, resume building, interviewing skills, job duties and more.

The Walton College's Center for Retailing Excellence is dedicated to shaping the future of commerce by inspiring and developing business leaders to be catalysts of innovation. The center partners with corporate leaders in commerce and retail to connect students and faculty with industry.