Boeing Mentorship Program Launches Careers for UMSL Students
Reese Anthony, a senior at the University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL), credits the Boeing Mentorship Program for transforming his career trajectory. Anthony, who will graduate this December with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance, participated in the program last year under the guidance of Kathleen Bobbitt, a 1993 UMSL alum and director for contracts operations at Boeing. Through the mentorship, Anthony secured a summer internship as a financial analyst for Boeing’s MQ-25 Stingray program, which ultimately led to a full-time job offer starting January 15.
Bobbitt noted that Anthony was initially nervous but grew significantly throughout the program. She provided him with interview tips, resume advice, and encouraged him to expand his professional network. Anthony’s internship allowed him to work with various leaders across different departments at Boeing, gaining invaluable experience and insights. “He met so many of the various leaders, not just in finance, but also program management and engineering,” Bobbitt said.
The Boeing Mentorship Program, now in its 16th year, pairs UMSL students with Boeing alumni mentors to help them navigate their academic and professional goals. Donella Boyd, a 2020 UMSL graduate and Boeing project manager, emphasized the importance of setting clear goals with mentors and making the most of the program. “Maybe it is getting an internship,” Boyd said. “Or maybe it’s actually some interviewing skills and coaching. Really be specific with what you want to get out of it.”
Anthony, now eager to give back, participated in the kickoff event for this year’s mentorship program, offering advice to new students. He encouraged them to be intentional about their goals and make the most of their mentors’ time. “Their time is valuable, so take as much advantage of their time as you can and be as prepared as possible,” Anthony said. The program aims to help students not only enter Boeing but also find their best career paths, whether inside or outside the company.