Power of purposeful mentorship in driving students' growth

At Parami University, mentorship isn't just an add-on to the academic experience; it's a structured, deliberate partnership that bridges the gap between classroom theory and professional practice.

Through the One-on-One Mentorship Program led by the Parami University Career Development Center (PUCDC), mentors from diverse professional backgrounds, along with Parami students and staff, move through a defined cycle: preparation, matching, engagement, and reflection. However, while the framework provides the map, it is the human connection that drives the journey together. The Center provides the framework and the matching process, but the heart of the program is much simpler: it's two people choosing to show up. When a mentor and mentee commit to being prepared, honest, and growth-oriented, mentorship becomes more than a scheduled meeting, and it becomes a catalyst for a career.

The program's success is built on three pillars: 1) Mutual Respect: Valuing each other's time and perspective, 2) Intentional Growth: Moving toward specific, measurable milestones, and Meaningful Engagement: Building relationships with active listening, trust, and empathy.

Mentors bring cross-sector experience spanning business, technology, research, education, policy, and nonprofit leadership. This diversity provides mentees with practical career insights, academic guidance, and real-world perspectives that strengthen both their professional readiness and long-term growth.

Impactful mentorship begins long before the first piece of advice is ever shared. It starts with intentional listening. Without a genuine understanding of the mentee’s goals, context, and motivations, trust cannot take root. When mentors listen first, conversations move beyond surface-level updates and open the door to meaningful growth.

 “Listening is the foundation of mentorship. Each mentee has different perspectives, commitments, and goals, so understanding them ensures guidance is meaningful. When mentees show a strong desire to grow, mentors naturally go above and beyond to create a lasting impact." - Nyan Lin Kyaw (Mentor)

When mentors intentionally create a "brave space" for open conversation, mentees feel empowered to discuss more than just their resumes. They bring their uncertainties, their doubts, and their highest aspirations to the table.

"I can’t express enough how important having a mentor is to me as an undergraduate student. It’s so valuable to have someone you can share your goals with and even just 'yap' to without worrying about being judged. For me A mentor is someone who listens to your ambitions and guides you on how to reach them, sharing their own experiences so you don't lose your way." - May Mon Thant (Class of 2028)

This transition from formal interaction to meaningful conversation is where true mentorship takes root.

The most successful pairings are those in which the mentee takes the lead. When students initiate meetings, arrive with targeted questions, and follow up on agreed-upon goals, the relationship evolves from dependency to collaboration.

"Effective mentees are not passive recipients but active partners. They take ownership by clarifying their goals, setting agendas, initiating meetings, seeking feedback, and following through. This direction makes the mentorship purposeful, accountable, and mutually rewarding." - Ca Hlei Iang (Mentor)

Conversely, mentees consistently share that their greatest value comes from lived experience. They aren't looking for more theory or vague encouragement; they are looking for "the view from the ground," practical, real-world insights that only a seasoned professional can provide.

"Through this mentorship, I hope to gain guidance, deeper understanding, and confidence so I can take part in meaningful work that addresses gender discrimination and supports equality in practical and realistic ways." - Kyi Min Thant (Class of 2028)

Mentorship at Parami University not only provides a space for its undergraduate students to discuss their academic and personal challenges and future goals, but also the frameworks they need to make informed, independent decisions.

Parami University Career Development Center (PUCDC) sees this initiative as more than a year-long cycle; it’s a foundation for long-term growth. The mentorship program is designed as a structured journey: beginning with onboarding and thoughtful mentor-mentee matching, continuing through monthly one-on-one meetings, and culminating in reflection and recognition at the end of the cycle. It helps sustain and expand the program so that each mentorship becomes a relationship grounded in mutual respect, open communication, and shared learning.