More Questions?
Do you have a question that is not answered here? E-mail us uwib@u.washington.edu
GENERAL UWiB QUESTIONS:
What does it take to be a member?
What are the benefits of becoming an active member?
How much are t-shirts?
Where can I order a t-shirt?
RECOGNIZED ACTIVE MEMBERS (RAMs):
What is the RAM program? Why should I join?
What are the requirements of becoming a RAM?
What are the volunteer events for the quarter?
What if I cannot participate in one of UWiB’s volunteer events?
What does it mean to be “actively involved in the External Relations Committee (ERC) ”?
What if I don’t have any business contacts?
Can I be a RAM one quarter, then take a quarter off, and then be a RAM again?
Who do I contact if I am interested in becoming a RAM or if I want my company to participate in the RAM program as a list-serve recipient?
BUSINESSWOMEN-TO-STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM:
What does B2S mean?
What does S2S mean?
What is Mentoring?
How does the B2S Mentoring Program work?
What does a Mentor do?
What is a Mentee?
What do Mentees want from their Mentors?
Who is eligible to participate in the Businesswoman-to-Student Mentorship Program?
How does a Mentor benefit from a Mentoring connection?
What is the time commitment?
How long does a Mentoring connection last?
Can a Mentee have more than one Mentor?
Are Mentoring connections confidential?
What if I find myself in over my head as a Mentor?
Who do I contact if I want more information about this?
GENERAL UWiB QUESTIONS:
What does it take to be a member?
• Download and complete the Membership Application Form from the Web site
• Attach your dues ($15/quarter or $40/annual) to your completed Membership Application Form
• Bring your Membership Application Form and attached dues to any UWiB event
Visit the Prospective Members page for more information
What are the benefits of becoming an active member?
• Admission to all events: guest speakers, workshops, panels, & educational seminars
• Eligibility to run for open officers positions
• Participate in acting committees
• Networking & mentoring opportunities
• Invitations to external events in the local business community sponsored by affiliated female organizations.
• Great resume builder
• Eligible to become a RAM
How much are t-shirts?
$15 for general members; $12 for ERC
Where can I order a t-shirt?
At any UWiB event
RECOGNIZED ACTIVE MEMBERS (RAMs):
What is the RAM Program? Why should I join?
Do any of the following companies catch your eye?
Amazon.com, BDO Seidman, Boeing, Clark Nuber, Deloitte, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs KPMG, Macy's, Microsoft, Moss Adams, Ameriprise Financial Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers, RSM McGladrey, Russell Investment Group, Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo
Each quarter these companies ask for and receive a list of our Recognized Active Members (RAMs). Each of these companies is eager to know which students are members in good standing of UWiB. These companies know that UWiB shapes students into the social, dependable, and valuable employees they wish to hire. If you are interested in employment with any of these companies, or any other company of your choice in fact, becoming a RAM of UWiB provides a beneficial and effective way to get your foot in the door.
Additionally, our seminars and workshops are often hosted by the recruiting managers you potentially will be interviewed by. UWiB provides an amazing opportunity to set yourself ahead of the curve by gaining a competitive edge and have multiple forms of contact with employers early on.
UWiB’s Recognized Active Member (RAM) program can help you find employment with your desired company.
What are the requirements of becoming a RAM?
• Attend two meetings a quarter
• Participate in one of our volunteer events
• Be actively involved in our External Relations Committee (ERC)
• Be in good financial standing each quarter by paying dues.
What are the volunteer events for the quarter?
The Web site is updated regularly with upcoming events.
What if I cannot participate in one of UWiB’s volunteer events?
You can complete the volunteer requirement by participating in at least three hours of community service on your own time. Be sure to turn in a signed verification from the organization on their letterhead, with contact information, within the two weeks following your service. Also, please keep checking back on the Web site for alternative independent volunteer opportunities.
What does it mean to be “actively involved in the External Relations Committee (ERC)?”
The commitment to be a part of the ERC committee is not time-consuming. Currently, the ERC members are asked to actively promote and spread the word of upcoming events by performing marketing activities and offer any business contacts he/she may have that UWiB could use to expand our network; specifically for guest speakers, the RAM program, and the Businesswomen-to-Student Mentorship Program.
What if I don’t have any business contacts?
Sure you do! Where do your parents work? Your friends? Anyone with a business card is considered a business contact.
Can I be a RAM one quarter, then take a quarter off, and then be a RAM again?
Of course, UWiB is conscious and sensitive to students’ busy schedules. We do however, advise you that it is more economical to pay for a full year’s membership at a discount, rather than pay each quarter. Additionally, you must have RAM status in order to participate in the Businesswomen-to-Student Mentorship Program.
Who do I contact if I am interested in becoming a RAM or if I want my company to participate in the RAM program as a list-serve recipient?
Please e-mail uwib@u.washington.edu.
BUSINESSWOMEN-TO-STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM:
What does B2S mean?
Businesswomen to Student Mentorship
What does S2S mean?
Student to Student Mentorship
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring links students with experienced professionals for professional, personal, and educational development. Mentoring is a two-way relationship in which both parties receive as much as they put in.
How does the Businesswomen to Student (B2S) Mentoring Program work?
Mentors and students are paired according to student’s academic interest and mentor’s field (cannot guarantee). Once they meet, they develop a relationship by meeting during the academic year to review the student’s academic progress and to assist them with developing strategies for success. This is not a structured program with stringent requirements intentionally due to the open environment that we want the mentee and mentor to create. Each should have the flexibility to make the experience the most optimal for themselves, as opposed to simply filling a requirement.
What does a Mentor do?
A Mentor oversees the career and development of another. She helps the Mentee clarify career goals and carry out a plan to reach those goals by sharing the insights and knowledge they have gained through their experiences. The roles of the Mentor include coach, teacher, motivator, counselor, guide, door-opener, advisor, role model, and sponsor. A Mentor specifically:
• Coaches the Mentee in enhancing skills and intellectual development
• Provides candid feedback to the Mentee about perceived strengths and developmental needs
• Points out opportunities for the Mentee to develop and demonstrate capabilities (as well as pointing out pitfalls to avoid)
• Advises the Mentee on how to deal with real or perceived roadblocks
• Encourages and motivates the Mentee
• Builds the Mentee’s self-confidence and sense of self
• Links the Mentee with others who can enhance the Mentee’s learning
What is a Mentee?
The Mentee is a student who is seeking the professional guidance to reach one or more career goals.
What do Mentees want from their Mentors?
Encouragement, support, honesty, candid information and advice, a "big picture" view, guidance, suggestions, an honest appraisal of their abilities, help with their "vision," assistance in making good choices, information on opportunities available, help in defining and reaching goals, the benefit of the Mentor’s experiences, availability without interruptions, non-attribution, honest discussions about tough issues, assistance in formulating a cohesive plan, help developing a network, introduction to key players, idea stimulation, and insight to career paths.
Who is eligible to participate in the Businesswoman-to-Student Mentorship Program?
Participation in the program is limited to Recognized Active Members (RAMs). See above for the necessary requirements.
How does a Mentor benefit from a Mentoring connection?
• Personal satisfaction—Mentors report a sense of pride at helping a student to succeed. They also often state they feel they are "giving back" what has been given to them.
• Sharpened leadership interpersonal skills—Mentors sharpen their own skills as they challenge and coach their Mentees.
• Source of recognition—good Mentors are well respected!
• Expanded professional contacts—Mentors develop professional contacts by interacting with other Mentors and with contacts they make while seeking referrals for their Mentee.
What is the time commitment?
UWiB highly recommends a minimum of two meetings per quarter. However, the amount of time varies depending on the needs, expectations, and desires of the Mentee and the Mentor. Both parties discuss their expectations at the beginning, and one of the most important factors is time.
• How often and for how long will they meet?
• Does one have a commitment at certain times that would make them unavailable?
• When is it okay to call? (What is the best form of communication?)
How long does a Mentoring connection last?
• Mentoring will last one academic year from the moment they start the relationship
• Mentees must remain a RAM throughout the academic year or they lose their Mentor.
• Sometimes, the relationship evolves into a strong friendship in which the two see each other as peers. This is up for the Mentor to decide since they will be receiving an additional Mentee the following academic year.
Can a Mentee have more than one Mentor?
It can be difficult to find the time and energy for multiple Mentoring connections. It is recommended that Mentees develop one Mentoring relationship. Lastly, UWiB has more Mentees than Mentors so we want to be cautious of that.
Are Mentoring connections confidential?
In order to foster open and honest communication, the Mentee must be able to trust the Mentor not to disclose their discussions with others. However, if both agree that communication with UWiB’s Executive Team would be beneficial, the Mentor and UWiB’s Executive Team may talk. Examples include helping to identify developmental activities, recommendations for a leadership position, and prevent problems associated with differing needs, perspectives, and priorities.
What if I find myself in over my head as a Mentor?
One of the roles of a Mentor is that of "referral agent." If your Mentee who trusts you comes to you with a problem more personal than professional (for example, their roommates haven’t paid rent and they have no where to go), be supportive, but refer. In other words, know your limitations. You are providing professional guidance. Never try to professionally counsel someone having personal problems. For other concerns, please contact UWiB.
Please e-mail us at uwib@u.washington.edu with further questions.