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Mr. Cooper’s University Relations Program not only provides our interns with real-world experience, but they also get first-class access to leaders who will provide them with tips and advice to help them succeed during their internship experience. Vice President–Customer Care/Solutions, Joe A., shares insights into his experience as a mentor at Mr. Cooper.
Is this your first time being a mentor? If not, can you elaborate on your previous experience(s)?
Yes! This is my first time being a mentor for our Mr. Cooper interns and I have to say that this has been an amazing experience so far. As a mentor, I have not only had the opportunity to teach my mentee the ins and outs of how to advance their career, but I’ve also gained an incredible amount of knowledge that I can use in my day-to-day life.
What was your first reaction when you learned the news that you’d been chosen to be a mentor for our 2022 intern class?
I was honored and super excited! As I mentioned before, this was my first time getting the opportunity to mentor a young professional, so I was looking forward to building a relationship and providing them with advice that could prevent them from making mistakes that are common amongst less experienced individuals.
What was the most important milestone that you witnessed in your mentee?
Witnessing my mentee Blinne grow so much within a short period of time has been an amazing experience for me. She is like a sponge and soaks up all the feedback that I provide to her. I also love the fact that she isn’t afraid to ask questions and is eager to learn new things.
What was one of the most challenging aspects of being a mentor?
I think the hardest part was keeping up with the new lingo. I had to watch out for certain terms/phrases that I would say, so that I didn’t accidentally say something that was no longer “hip” anymore.
What lesson(s) did you learn from your mentee relationship?
It was enlightening to see the perspective of an intern and the things that they are looking for when working for a company. It helped me to reflect on my current role as a leader and brainstorm different ways that I could improve my management skills.
What advice would you give any future/current interns at Mr. Cooper?
Don’t worry about knowing everything under the sun. This is supposed to be a learning experience, so use this as an opportunity to soak in as much information as possible and never be afraid to ask questions.
What advice would you provide to students who are on their internship search?
It’s important to find an industry that you’re passionate about and a company that aligns with your personal values. Finding that balance is key to landing an internship that is most suitable for you and your needs as a growing professional.
Check out our open internships and co-op opportunities here!
