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Flyers for Life

Mentoring: Our duty to future Flyers

By Joe Maimone ‘87

Author Bio
City:
New York City
Profession: VP of Sales, Billboard Magazine
Favorite UD home: 309 Stonemill

When I graduated, I knew it would be tough to enter the entertainment industry. I experienced many challenges getting my foot in the door and finding a path. Now, I’m devoted to helping as many UD students as I possibly can enter not only my industry, but any industry they’re interested in. 

Earlier alums should always help the next generation. As an alum, I feel I have an obligation to assist those who are behind me. That’s something I’ve always thought and it’s a philosophy I’ll always live by. Supporting the next generation means serving in whatever capacity the students most need: as a mentor, as a life coach, as a prospective employer.

As a mentor, students reach out to me for advice on working in the entertainment industry or how to find a job and make the move to New York City. They also ask general questions, such as for help with resumes, interview practice or questions about my life story. At any given time, I’m mentoring at least 10 UD students.

Mentoring doesn’t happen overnight. I met a student when he was a sophomore at UD and wanted to be in the music industry. He was doing everything to get a good resume. After graduation, he moved to Chicago and worked odd jobs to pay the rent. We talked for several years, until finally an opportunity came up with clients of mine. About six months ago, he got a job working with them as a booker at a high-end talent agency. 

What I love about UD students is that they’re not afraid to reach out. Everyone knows Dayton generates the happiest students in America, and that’s evident when you meet with or mentor them. These students are as driven as ever and know what they want to do and where they want to be. Sometimes being a mentor just means reminding others to keep going and sharing your story.

I want my generation and all other generations of alumni to start a pattern of helping other Flyers and assisting them as best we can to find their dream jobs in the industry of their choice.

You owe it to yourself to be a mentor. If you live in Washington, D.C. and a student wants to work there, you should get on the phone with them and help them. Give them leads and tell them your story. Mentoring isn’t all about giving jobs away or helping with resumes. It’s about just being there and answering the call. 

 


Check out Flyer connection to learn how you can share industry knowledge, mentor students and provide guidance to help other Flyers navigate the professional landscape.

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