Mentorship for College Students With Big Goals
Big Careers is one of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ newest programs, providing personalized, career-focused mentorship for college students. Designed for young adults facing barriers such as limited access, representation, or career exposure, this innovative initiative helps students gain the social capital and confidence they need to grow into the Inland Empire’s next generation of workforce leaders.
This is more than academic support—it’s real-world career mentoring with long-term impact. Each student is matched with a professional mentor in Southern California, an accomplished and connected leader in their industry who offers guidance and encouragement throughout their college journey and into a high-impact career. Students also gain access to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ career readiness resources and events and ongoing match support.
Through quarterly communication, access to exclusive career readiness resources and events, and ongoing match support, students in Big Careers receive the wraparound support they need to excel in college and launch successful careers.
WHO ARE OUR MENTORS
Accomplished professional mentors in Southern California who are:
- Experienced leaders with diverse industry backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and business leaders
- Passionate about creating a more equitable workforce and cultivating the next generation of talent through meaningful relationships
- Deeply rooted in the local business community, helping mentees tap into influential networks and real career pathways
Interested in becoming a mentor?
For questions or more information, send an email to eressel@ocbigs.org.
WHO ARE OUR MENTEES?
Big Careers supports ambitious college students ages 18-24 who are:
- Enrolled in or accepted to a community college, college, or university
- Have a career direction or goal they want to pursue
- Ready to take action toward their professional goals
- Often first-generation college students and former Big Brothers Big Sisters participants
For questions or more information, send an email to eressel@ocbigs.org.
FOR CURRENT BBBS MATCHES
Already matched in another Big Brothers Big Sisters program? When a mentee reaches age 18 or graduates from their current program, their match can transition to Big Careers and continue building on the relationship they’ve already formed.
- More flexibility: As mentees pursue college, career, and greater independence, Big Careers gives matches more autonomy while maintaining access to career-readiness resources, events, and match support.
- More tailored for adults: Mentees can set new goals around college, career exploration, professional skills, and preparing for the workforce.
- More opportunities to connect: In Big Careers, mentees can connect with additional mentors, while mentors can support more than one mentee—creating opportunities to gain new perspectives and expand their networks
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Each match determines the type, location, and frequency of meet ups, making Big Careers easy to fit into busy lives. In addition to these quarterly, 1:1 check-ins (can be virtual or in-person), matches also receive ongoing support from Big Brothers Big Sisters and get exclusive access to career readiness workshops, networking events, and personalized resources.
Each match is unique and may include professional advice and insights, job preparation, networking opportunities, and career conversations about goal-setting and skill-building.
We match through a thoughtful process that prioritizes alignment, compatibility, and shared goals. BBBS Staff take into consideration things like career interests, professional goals, college affiliation, field of study, and availability.
At sign up, both mentors and mentees submit a resume that serves as a key tool in the matching process to identify complementary experiences and pathways. This ensures that each match is purposeful, well-aligned, and positioned for success.
To help us find the best match, students should have one or two strong career interests or goals. You don’t need a specific job title—knowing the industry, field, or type of work you’re interested in is most important. Your direction can evolve as you gain experience, build connections, and discover what’s next!
No. We welcome professionals who are ready to share their knowledge, experience, and guidance with a college student.
Yes, both mentors and mentees can participate in more than one program as long as they can meet the participation requirements and commitments for both programs.
POWERED BY BLAKE JOHNSON ALLIANCE
Big Careers is made possible through a generous grant from entrepreneur and philanthropist Blake Johnson, a BBBSOCIE Board Member and the founder of the Blake Johnson Alliance. Named Philanthropist of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Johnson understands the power of mentorship firsthand. He created the Blake Johnson Alliance to expand opportunities for young people to succeed in school and in life. Big Careers is a testament to that mission, empowering youth in their pursuit of higher education to help them rise, lead, and thrive.