Mentorship Program
Connect with experienced professionals, build meaningful relationships, and gain perspectives that can help shape your career.Quick Links
Build Connections That Go Beyond the Classroom
The Center for Retailing Innovation Mentorship Program connects members of the Student Retailing Association with experienced professionals for meaningful conversations about careers, leadership, professional development, and the changing world of retail and consumer business.
Over the course of the fall semester, students and mentors meet three times, creating an opportunity to build a genuine professional relationship while keeping the time commitment manageable.
Whether you are exploring career possibilities, preparing to enter the workforce, or simply wanting to learn from someone who has been there before, mentorship provides a perspective you can’t always get in the classroom.
Student participation is limited to current members of the Student Retailing Association.
Student registration deadline: Sept. 22
How the Mentorship Program Works
- Get Matched
- Students and mentors complete a short registration form that helps the Center for Retailing Innovation create mentorship matches based on interests, career goals, experience, and other relevant factors.
Registration for both students and mentors closes Sept. 22. - Meet Your Mentor
- The program begins with a virtual kickoff.
Kickoff Date: Oct. 6
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Virtual
During the kickoff, participants will learn more about the program, expectations, and how to make the most of the mentorship experience. - Three Meaningful Conversations
- Mentors and students will meet three times during the semester (once per month).
After the kickoff, mentor pairs will schedule their conversations at times that work for them. Meetings may be held virtually, by phone, or in person when practical.
The goal is not to create another major time commitment. It is to create three intentional conversations that give students an opportunity to ask questions, learn from experience, and develop a professional relationship.
Making the Most of Mentorship
Every mentorship relationship will be different. Conversations can be shaped around the student’s interests, questions, and career goals.
Topics might include:
- Exploring career paths and opportunities
- Preparing for internships and full-time roles
- Navigating the transition from college to career
- Building professional confidence and communication skills
- Developing a network and professional relationships
- Learning from career decisions, successes, and challenges
- Understanding trends and opportunities across retail and consumer-facing industries
Student Registration
Student participants must be current members of the Student Retailing Association. Students and professionals interested in participating should complete the appropriate registration form by the deadline.
Virtual Kickoff (Mentors and Students)
Date: Monday, Oct. 6
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Mentors and students will receive program expectations, resources, and information to help begin the relationship successfully.
Mentorship Meetings
October: Meeting 1
November: Meeting 2
December-January: Meeting 3
Mentor pairs will coordinate their own meeting dates and times.
Become a Mentor
Share your experience. Invest in the next generation.
The Center for Retailing Innovation welcomes professionals who are willing to share their experience, perspective, and advice with Texas A&M students.
Mentoring does not require a major time commitment. We ask mentors to participate in the virtual kickoff and connect with their students three times between October 2026 and January 2027.
Your conversations can help a student better understand career possibilities, prepare for the workplace, navigate important decisions, and gain confidence as they begin building their professional future.
Professionals from retail, consumer brands, ecommerce, merchandising, marketing, customer experience, technology, analytics, supply chain, entrepreneurship, and other consumer-facing areas are encouraged to participate.
Mentor registration deadline: Sept. 29
Make Your Next Big Move
Request more information to dive deeper into your program of interest.