UGA Mentor Profile: Ansley Baker (AB ’23, MA ’24) and Jane Kidd (ABJ ’75)
UGA Mentor Profile: Ansley Baker (AB ’23, MA ’24) and Jane Kidd (ABJ ’75)
The UGA Mentor Program serves as a powerful bridge connecting seasoned professionals with aspiring students, fostering relationships that benefit both sides. This program provides a unique platform for experienced alumni to share their wisdom and guidance with the next generation.
This program’s impact can be found in the mentor-mentee relationship between Jane Kidd (ABJ ’75), president of The Kidd Group, PR Counselors Inc. and a member of the Grady Alumni Board, and Ansley Baker (AB ’23, MA ’24), a recent graduate of the integrated AD/PR master’s program at Grady College. This dynamic partnership, born within the framework of the UGA Mentor Program, has become a mutually beneficial connection.
As Baker navigates the challenging landscape of the job market, Kidd’s guidance and insights have proven invaluable. “Jane has been my rock during the job application season.” shares Baker. “She always gives the best advice on choosing the job that is best for me and my career goals.”
Meanwhile, this mentorship has inspired Kidd to reconnect with her professional network and contribute to the success of future generations of Grady graduates. “It is great to be more ‘in touch’ with today’s workforce challenges. I love learning anything new,” Kidd reflects.
Although mentors and mentees are typically paired for 16 weeks, these relationships often extend well beyond the program’s timeframe, fostering long-term personal and professional growth.
Continue reading for a Q/A with Baker and Kidd.
Grady College: What motivated you to register for the UGA Mentor program?
Baker: I was in the job application process when Jane became my mentor and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. I never knew who could answer all my job-related questions, so it was so great to have a trustworthy person that I could talk about it with.
Kidd: As a Grady Alumni Board member I had the opportunity to meet many of the students that are Grady Ambassadors and active in other ways at the college. I met Ansley at a Board meeting and I found she and other students were open and eager to hear what we had to say about job-seeking, deciding on a career, work/life balance etc. At the next Grady Board meeting, there was a group of students seeking advice and Ansley and I reencountered each other. I asked if I could be her mentor and she said yes. I knew I had the time and contacts to help a little in her job search.
GC: How has your mentor impacted your personal or professional growth through the program?
Baker: Jane has been my rock during the job application season. She always gives the best advice on choosing the job that is best for me and my career goals. It’s been so nice to have her perspective because it’s so easy to get caught up in such a stressful time! I know I can trust her judgment, as she has a track record of success in her own career.
Kidd: I have been in touch with several young mid-career contacts that I had not talked to in a while. It was great hearing from them and learning how the workplace has changed and what actions are necessary now, to find great job opportunities. It is great to be more “in touch” with today’s workforce challenges. I love learning anything new.
GC: What have you learned about yourself through your participation in the program?
Baker: I learned that I should trust my gut during the job application process because usually I’m right. Jane always encouraged that.
Kidd: I learned that I did have information, experience and contacts that could be helpful to today’s graduating students.
GC: What was your most significant takeaway from this connection?
Baker: Going into the workforce is not nearly as intimidating as I originally thought. However, there will be opportunities in my life and I need to be ready to take them. My mentor gave me the ability to make specific career goals that I am continuously working towards.
Kidd: I look forward to continuing my contact with Ansley. Not only do I consider her a friend, but she is a future source of information for other aspiring graduates… maybe one day, my granddaughter!
GC: Would you encourage other students/Alumni to participate in the UGA Mentor Program? If so, why?
Baker: Absolutely- it never hurts to hear the perspective of someone who has been in our shoes. You never know, your mentor could be the key to your next career move.
Kidd: I would definitely encourage Grady College Alums to be a mentor. I am encouraged by the enthusiastic students, knowing that they are the leaders of tomorrow. I’m know I have gained so much from being Ansley’s mentor.
Visit the UGA Mentor website to register to become a student mentee or an alumni mentor. There are several dozen Grady College alumni waiting to be paired with Grady College students.
Editor: Shannon Lorusso, sel67411@uga.edu