Throughout National Mentoring Month in January, KU Alumni is spotlighting the strength of the Jayhawk professional network and the mutual rewards of mentorship through profiles of some of the Jayhawks who’ve joined KU Mentoring+, the University’s platform for mentoring, networking and community building.
Below, meet KU student Jennell Coria, a senior studying marketing who connected with a mentor through KU Mentoring+.
Visit KU Mentoring+ to join the more than 16,000 alumni, students, faculty and staff on the platform and support fellow Jayhawks through career advice and connections.
What does mentorship look like to you?
Coria: To me, mentorship looks like genuine support, open communication and guidance without judgment. It means having someone who helps you grow by sharing their experiences, asking thoughtful questions and encouraging you to see your potential, even when you may not fully see it yet. At its core, mentorship is a two-way relationship built on trust, learning and personal development.
What has been a surprise to you in your experience as a mentee?
What has surprised me most has been the unconditional support my mentor has shown. Whether it was helping me prepare for interviews or simply checking in to make sure I had what I needed, their steady encouragement has meant so much. As a college student balancing financial and personal challenges, having someone consistently show up for me has been incredibly meaningful.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from your mentor?
My mentor once told me, ‘You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Just take the next best step.’ That advice really stuck with me. I’m a first-generation student, so I often feel pressure to have a perfect plan, and hearing that gave me permission to grow, explore and be patient with myself while still staying intentional.
What has being a mentee taught you?
Being a mentee has reminded me that growth doesn’t happen alone. As a first-generation Latina, I have learned how powerful representation truly is—having a mentor who understands my background, challenges and aspirations has made a difference in how supported and confident I feel. Mentorship has taught me the importance of asking for help, seeking guidance and surrounding myself with people who genuinely want to see me succeed.
You’ve attended KU’s Mocktails & Mingle networking events at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. What made you want to participate?
I was looking for a low-pressure way to build my professional confidence and practice networking in a supportive environment. Mocktails & Mingle felt like a great opportunity to learn how to connect with professionals without the intimidation of a formal setting.
What was the most helpful part of the events?
One of the most helpful parts was the pre-networking guidance that was provided to attendees before the actual networking began. We were given tips on how to properly network, be an active listener and pick up on social cues, like how to smoothly join conversations and when to respectfully step away. That preparation made the experience feel much more comfortable and intentional, and it really boosted my confidence going into the event.
What’s something you learned that you think other students would benefit from?
I learned that it’s OK to be yourself and ask thoughtful questions. You don’t need to have everything figured out—being curious, prepared and confident goes a long way.
Why would you recommend Mocktails & Mingle events to fellow students?
I would encourage other students to attend because it’s a welcoming space to grow professionally, practice communication skills and make meaningful connections. It’s a great confidence-builder and an easy way to step outside your comfort zone in a supportive setting.
