The Webster/AIC Mentoring Program: Empowering the Next Generation of Professionals
The Webster Geneva Campus and the American International Club (AIC) have once again joined forces for the second cycle of the Webster/AIC Mentoring Program, which launched on 1st October 2025. This initiative connects Webster undergraduate and now also graduate students with AIC professionals for an academic year of structured guidance and mutual learning.
Following a successful pilot year, the program has more than doubled in size, going from 8 to 15 students, and potentially rising to 18. Organizers initially feared there might not be enough applicants, but enthusiasm quickly exceeded expectations, with students still trying to sign up on the day of the event. The inclusion of graduate students this year has further expanded the diversity of experience and ambition among participants.
The kickoff event brought mentors and mentees together for introductions, networking, and the highly anticipated pairing announcements. The atmosphere was energetic and welcoming, as students met professionals from fields including consulting, communications, engineering, and human resources.
Among the mentors were several familiar faces within the AIC community. One mentor, Stacy, who herself spent a year at Webster in 1985 before a long career at Caterpillar, reflected on how valuable a program like this would have been when she was starting out. Another, Prof. Khonje, who could not attend in person due to a work commitment, sent a video introduction reflecting on the importance of giving back to the community that helped shape her.
When it came time for the traditional mentor–mentee photo session, each pair gathered for their official picture. For one student, whose mentor was Prof. Khonje, that meant posing in front of the big screen as her video message played – a moment that drew smiles from everyone in the room. It was a lighthearted reminder that mentorship can bridge even digital distances.
The mentees themselves expressed genuine excitement and purpose. Many joined to gain clarity about their future paths, to plan internships or graduate studies, and to receive practical advice for entering the workforce in Switzerland, a market that can be challenging for newcomers. One student, Farida, said she was eager to create a more structured plan for her career and found her mentor’s guidance immediately helpful in shaping her next steps. Another mentee, Sarah, saw the program as an opportunity to learn how to present herself professionally, gain confidence, and discover how to stand out even without extensive work experience.
Beyond the introductions, the event underscored how mentorship is as much about exchange as instruction. Mentors share their experience and insight, but they also learn from their mentees’ curiosity, ideas, and global perspectives. One returning mentor, Craig, remarked that he had learned as much from his mentee last year as she had from him - an observation that captures the collaborative spirit the program aims to nurture.
This year’s launch marks an exciting new chapter for the Webster/AIC Mentoring Program. We are delighted to see so many new participants join this growing community and look forward to following the mentor–mentee partnerships as they develop over the coming months – continuing a tradition of learning, connection, and shared success.
By Tanika Bawa, Mentor