Abstract:

A close relationship between universities and business is essential as a way both to ensure students’ adequate training for the real needs of the labor market and to minimize the difficulties related to the transition from university to workplace. To respond to this key feature, the Degree in Retail Management of School of Technology and Management of Águeda – University of Aveiro has been implementing strategies and initiatives, including a mentoring program.

The main objective of this program, which started in the academic year of 2012/13, is to accelerate students' professional development through an activity plan that promotes contact and tightens the connection between the academic world and business reality. The role of each mentor is to monitor and to promote student’s development by sharing knowledge and experience, by guiding and helping them in their personal and professional development and facilitating their future professional integration.

This paper presents the mentoring program and its perception by students and tutors. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with students and tutors and the results reveal cases of success and present suggestions to improve the program’s effectiveness.

Students highlight that contact with their mentors allowed a better understanding of the importance and applicability of the syllabus content. They also point out aspects like the first experience and business liaison, a better understanding of the real needs of the businesses and labor market in their area of training and the support obtained in carrying out more practical academic work and networking. Mentors add that this experience helps them to have a better understanding of students and helps them also in their workplaces and in interacting with young co-workers.

Students and mentors refer to the need for improvement, namely the need to maintain contact and the interactions as a way to ensure the attainment of the mentoring program goals. Some students affirm that it is difficult to find available time in the mentor’s calendar, they claim that often tutors are not available, or that they feel uncomfortable in approaching tutors. The tutor´s working demands and pressure often used as an explanation for not meeting as often as they would like to.

Keywords:

Management, Mentoring Program, Higher Education.