Providence College School of Business Student Mentor Program
By: Evie Noto ’25
Transitioning into college life can be an exciting yet challenging time for students. For incoming business majors at Providence College School of Business, the PC Business Student Mentor Program stands as a pillar of support. Rooted in PC’s core values of academic excellence, building lifelong relationships, and increasing institutional effectiveness, this peer mentorship initiative helps first-year students seamlessly integrate into life at PC Business. By connecting new students with experienced older students, the program fosters guidance, friendship, and confidence within students.
Reflections from Our Co-Presidents
Christina Savo, a December ’25 grad and finance major, had an extremely positive experience as a mentee. “My mentor was always so gracious and willing to help with any questions I had,” she said. “I was able to grab coffee with her whenever I had any questions, and she walked me through the registration process as well as deciding which classes to take which made everything seem much less overwhelming.”
Marissa DeMartino ’25, an accountancy and finance double major, reflects on one of the most memorable experiences she had while mentoring someone. She helped someone decide to add accounting as a double major, which was very important to her as an accounting and finance double major herself.
DeMartino shares this advice for new mentors or mentees starting in the program. “Be open to meeting new people,” she said. “By being willing to bond with your mentor you can not only learn tips and tricks for the business school, but you can also make a new friendship with your mentor and see a friendly face within the business school,” she said.
Insights from the Executive Team
Jenna Taylor ’25, a marketing major and sociology minor, serves as the marketing coordinator for the mentorship program. For Jenna, joining the executive board meant breaking down the barriers that may make students hesitant to seek help. She advises mentees to embrace the experience. “Don’t feel stressed or embarrassed about reaching out for help,” she said. “The mentors are here for a reason and want to help, so never feel like you cannot ask questions.”
She encourages new mentors to be empathetic. “I would recommend being kind and remembering what it was like to be in their shoes. While some things may seem self-explanatory to an upperclassman, the freshmen are going through this for the first time so being gentle is always appreciated!” Taylor said.
Finance major Chris McGarvey ’26, who is the club’s accounting coordinator, said he helped his mentee through an internship interview, clarifying some of the misconceptions about the process and guiding his mentee through his own experience applying for internships. “It felt great to give back in the way that so many upperclassmen helped me when I first started,” he said.
Management coordinator Evie Noto ’25, a marketing and management double major, said her time as a mentee inspired her to pursue a leadership position within the club. She remembers spending her first year filled with nerves and shyness. “Just having someone to smile and wave at while walking through campus made the transition so much more comfortable,” Noto said. Knowing firsthand the fears and anxieties that come with starting college, she was driven to become a mentor to offer the same sense of comfort and social connection she once needed. “Being able to help someone just like me was an opportunity I didn’t take lightly,” she said.
Kara O’Shea ’26, a finance and management double major, serves as the finance coordinator. Her mentee grew into a close friend. Their connection extended beyond their time together in the business school, creating a long-lasting bond and friendship over time. She advises new mentors or mentees to be authentic, emphasizing that “being yourself is essential for building meaningful connections.”
Why Join the Providence College School of Business Student Mentor Program?
The consensus among executive members is clear: the Providence College School of Business’s Student Mentor Program enriches the college experience for both mentors and mentees. It offers first-year students the chance to learn from those who have been through the same experiences, easing the transition into the academic environment. For mentors, it’s an opportunity to guide, give back, and strengthen leadership skills while forming bonds that last well beyond their college years.
Whether you’re seeking advice, friendship, or a way to contribute to the supportive culture at Providence College, the PC Business Student Mentor Program is a perfect fit. As Savo said, “This club is about helping one another, which embodies the true spirit of the Friar family.”
