Career Education Center

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Location

(5) Palace Road Building
Suite P304
One Palace Road

Email: careers@simmons.edu
Phone: 617.521.2488

Hours

Academic year:

Monday - Thursday:
  8:30am to 7:00pm
Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Career counselors are available by appointment.

June through August:

Monday - Thursday:
  8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am to 2pm.

Mosaic Multicultural Mentoring Program FAQ


What is Mosaic?

The Mosaic Multicultural Program is a unique mentoring opportunity that literally connects culturally-diverse students with Simmons alumnae who volunteer to host a student who shadows the alumna at her place of work. Mentors are all alumnae of the undergraduate program at Simmons College, and are from culturally-diverse backgrounds as well. All mentors are excited to advance the career and professional development of Simmons students. Student travel and hotel expenses are paid for (most travel takes place in the Northeast). It is expected that upon graduation, Mosaic alumnae will participate in the Simmons Alumnae Professional Network (providing professional guidance and mentoring others) as they progress in their careers.

Who can apply to Mosaic?

Mosaic is open to traditional rising sophomores and juniors of culturally-diverse backgrounds with good academic standing. Unfortunately, funding has not yet been obtained to include Dix Scholars in the Mosaic program. For purposes of the Mosaic program, the term “culturally diverse” refers to students of non-Caucasian backgrounds, including (but not limited to) Black or African American, Asian, Latina, and Native American students. The deadline for applying is October 6, 2007.

Can you give some examples of Success Connection experiences?

Here are some recent examples:

Alicia Ziegler '08 and mentor Christine Key '77, Occupational Therapist, Concentra Maryland.

"I met Christine at the Mosaic Kick-Off event, and we really connected there. [She] works as an occupational physical therapist for individuals who may have been injured on the job. I could tell that she genuinely cared about each of her patients' well-being. She knew their names, where they worked, how they might have been injured, and exercises to help them. This trip was a learning experience for me in that I had a chance to participate in a business trip. I also had a glimpse in what to expect on business trips and working in a professional setting. I believe participating in the Mosaic Multicultural Program will benefit me in future interviews for jobs or internships."

Darcel Hunt '08 and mentor Dr. Lorena Passarelli '82, Professor, Kansas State University.

"I looked forward to the job shadow experience because I would get a glimpse into what life is like after Simmons. I know that my Simmons education is preparing me for my professional goals but I wanted to see it in practice. Dr. Lorena Passarelli was a perfect match and gave me that opportunity. Her hard work and determination reminds me of the passion I see in Simmons women today. She was very passionate about her research and explicit about the details of her work. The energy and excitement she put into explaining her research left me in awe. My job shadowing experience was gratifying. I was able to meet with a lot of people and make new connections and memories."

Mariam Jalalzada '08 and mentor Diane Dickerson '75 '84SM, Director for the Emergency Food Resources and Walk for Hunger, Boston, MA.

"My meeting with Diane Dickerson and the Project Bread was a very insightful and eye-opening experience. Ms. Dickerson guided me through her office and introduced me to staff during my visit early March 2007. She explained the projects that Project Bread implements and the challenges they face on a daily basis. It was amazing to learn that so many community volunteers are eager to run food pantries in different locations such as churches, community centers, and health centers. Some community members provide their houses or garages for the food pantries. Overall, my experience with Project Bread and Diane Dickerson was an experience of lifetime."

What is the application process?

In order to be considered for the Mosaic program, please complete the following steps. Note that the deadline for submitting your application and résumé is October 6, 2007.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online application form no later than October 6, 2007.

Step 2: Make sure an updated résumé is on your CareerLink profile. If you have not yet received a user name and ID via email from the Career Education Center (CEC), please call the CEC at (617) 521-2488 or stop by the CEC at One Palace Road, Suite 304. CEC staff members are ready to assist you with any CareerLink-related questions.

If you prefer, simply send an electronic copy of your résumé to Sarah Zengo in the Office of Alumnae/i Relations via email at sarah.zengo@simmons.edu.

Step 3:If selected as a semi-finalist, you will be interviewed one time during the weeks of October 22 in the Career Education Center (third-floor of One Palace Road). The interview will take around 20 to 25 minutes. Promptness and professional attire are important.

What is the timeline for Mosaic 2007-2008?

The timeline for Mosaic Program 2007-2008 is:

  • October 6: Mosaic applications due
  • October 22 - 26: Mosaic interviews
  • October 31: Selection and notification of Mosaic participants
  • January 23: Mosaic Orientation Meeting for student participants
  • February 2: Mosaic Kick-off event with alumnae
  • February - April: Mosaic job shadowing experiences take place
  • April 30: Mosaic experiential essays due

What happens next if I'm selected for the Mosaic Multicultural Mentoring Program?

Each Mosaic student receives two orientations, both as part of a group meeting and individually. Further, a full-day kick-off event on Saturday, February 2, 2008 is mandatory for all Mosaic student mentees, and provides an early introduction to their alumnae mentors. Full details and suggestions about contacting your mentor, researching her company/profession, preparing for your visit, travel arrangements, safety tips, etc. are provided. Mosaic students arrange to visit their mentor between February and May 2008. Following their visit, students submit a brief essay about their experience.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Feel free to contact Sarah Zengo anytime. Her email address is sarah.zengo@simmons.edu and her telephone number is 617-521-2112.