At William Paterson, the Pesce Mentoring Institute has changed lives for the past decade. Since its launch in the 2014-2015 academic year, the program has grown from 72 student-alumni mentor matches to over 300 student-mentor pairs today. Its mission is to provide students with personalized career guidance, professional networking opportunities, and the support needed to navigate their futures confidently.

“Having a mentor is obviously going to get a student ahead and get them really prepared with their career,” said Debbie Feingold, who has been part of the program for nine years. “A mentor could help them with their resume and interview skills and help them find an internship. And the best part, I think, is the networking aspect.”

The impact of mentorship extends beyond just career preparation. Feingold recalled a particularly inspiring mentor-mentee relationship between Dr. Djanna Hall and her mentee, Carolina. “She was an international student, I believe she didn’t really have anyone to guide her, and Dr. Hall really did a wonderful job in helping her,” Feingold said. “They did a lot with her time management. And the quote they said the most that I loved talks about their relationship not ending here because she was graduating. This is a lifelong relationship. And I just thought that was beautiful.”

The numbers also highlight the program’s success. “We’ve been surveying every year, and now it’s up to, I think, 98% of the students six months out of graduation have either a job or are going to grad school,” Feingold noted. This figure contrasts the university’s overall post-graduation success rate, around 86%.

Editor’s note: Apply for the Pesce Mentoring Institute here:  www.wpunj.edu/wpmentoring

William Paterson’s diverse student body makes the program particularly meaningful. “We serve a variety of populations here, and I think it’s great in this program—44% are first-generation college students. So we’re helping them get ahead,” Feingold explained. “If they don’t have someone at home to guide them, we’re helping them do it, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Carmine Coscia, a mentee of the Pesce Mentoring Institute, shared the following testimonial: “Being involved in the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute program has been great! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful mentor. This is my first year in the program and I have already learned many useful tips and tricks to use in different situations. From learning interview skills to setting goals. Being able to talk with my mentor about career paths, my goals, and academics is so nice. He has been in my shoes before and can understand me. Hearing about his experiences has helped me learn and grow. I cannot thank this program enough for providing me with a great mentor and resources to succeed.”

In addition to mentorship, Feingold emphasized the importance of networking and internship opportunities. “Coming to our job fairs and meeting with our employers, seeing what internships might be available, is crucial. And if you get an internship in a company, talk to people while you’re there, and network with those potential people that can help you meet the connection for your next step.”

Looking ahead, the Career Development Center is eager to expand the program even further. “We’re looking to grow this program because it’s made such an impact,” Feingold said.

For students at William Paterson, the Pesce Mentoring Institute is more than just a career resource—it’s a community that encourages lifelong professional and personal growth, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. For many, it’s a relationship that lasts far beyond graduation.