UGA Mentor Profile: Megan Roberts (AB ’22, MA ’23) and Jennifer Sloan (ABJ ’86)
UGA Mentor Profile: Megan Roberts (AB ’22, MA ’23) and Jennifer Sloan (ABJ ’86)
Participation in the UGA Mentor Program has allowed Grady students of past and present to connect and form meaningful relationships. Mentors and mentees alike have found the program to be both professionally and personally fulfilling.
The partnership between Megan Roberts (BA ’22, MA ’23) and Jennifer Sloan (ABJ ’86) exemplifies the impact the UGA Mentor program has on participants. Sloan serves as senior vice president of public policy and stakeholder engagement at Mastercard Canada and Roberts is an account executive in partnership marketing at the National Hockey League.
Through the partnership, Roberts said she “learned that career paths are rarely linear, and many successful people discover their direction along the way, just as I am doing now.”
Meanwhile, this mentorship gave Sloan a new view on the new generation of the work force. “Megan has given me a fresh perspective on the challenges and aspirations of a younger generation, which has broadened my understanding and empathy,” said Sloan. “Her questions and insights have pushed me to reflect on my own experiences and leadership style, making me more intentional and thoughtful in how I guide others.”
Roberts and Sloan have continued meeting well beyond the traditional 16 weeks that is the program’s normal timeframe.
Continue reading for a Q/A with Roberts and Sloan.
Grady College: What motivated you to register for the UGA Mentor program?
Roberts: I was motivated to join the UGA Mentor Program to explore different career paths I could pursue with my PR degree. I wanted to understand how to approach various roles and learn from someone established in their career. Coffee chats with industry professionals have always been valuable to me, and this program seemed like the next step to building a meaningful relationship with a mentor who could guide me through my career journey.
Sloan: I was motivated to register for the UGA Mentor Program because I am passionate about giving back to the community that has shaped me. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to benefit from the guidance and support of incredible mentors who have inspired and empowered me to reach my goals. The UGA program offered an opportunity not only to stay connected but also equip me with additional tools to mentor others and make a meaningful impact on future generations in return.
GC: How has your mentor impacted your personal or professional growth through the program?
Roberts: My mentor has significantly impacted my personal and professional growth by serving as both a sounding board and a trusted friend. She has equipped me with fundamental skills that have contributed to my success and helped me navigate major life changes. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping me define my goals and gain clarity during pivotal moments. I’m incredibly grateful to the UGA Mentor Program for connecting me with Jen, whose mentorship has been invaluable.
Sloan: Personally, Megan has given me a fresh perspective on the challenges and aspirations of a younger generation, which has broadened my understanding and empathy. Her questions and insights have pushed me to reflect on my own experiences and leadership style, making me more intentional and thoughtful in how I guide others. Her enthusiasm reminds me of the value of continuous learning and how important it is to stay adaptable and open-minded.
GC: What have you learned about yourself through your participation in the program?
Roberts: I have learned many things from participating in the UGA program. The program taught me that we’re not alone in navigating our careers. As senior year approached, I felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. My mentor alleviated that stress by offering reassurance and sharing insights from her extensive industry experience. She also introduced me to valuable connections and facilitated opportunities that have helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve learned that career paths are rarely linear, and many successful people discover their direction along the way, just as I am doing now.
Sloan: I’ve surprisingly learned a lot about myself being a mentor to Megan. First off -let’s face it- I’m old! Haha. But seriously, this experience has taught me the importance of patience and how vital it is to listen attentively. I also realized that it’s okay to show my own vulnerabilities in this relationship. By doing so, I create a space where genuine connection and trust can flourish. Ultimately, I was reminded that my authentic self is my best self, and that is what makes this mentorship so meaningful.
GC: What was your most significant takeaway from this connection?
Roberts: My most significant takeaway from this connection is the realization of how impactful it is to have a mentor who genuinely cares about my growth and success. Jen has been more than just a mentor; she has been a consistent source of encouragement, guidance and perspective during both exciting milestones and challenging moments in my life.
Through our conversations, I’ve learned the importance of seeking advice, being open to feedback, and building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Jen not only shared her professional experiences but also helped me navigate personal decisions, reinforcing the idea that success is as much about personal growth as it is about career advancement.
Sloan: The most significant takeaway from my connection with Megan was the incredible energy and curiosity she brought to our relationship. As a fellow Canadian (how random!) and a Grady student Megan’s passion to learn, listen and grow was truly inspiring. I appreciated how she embraced her role as a mentee, actively driving the relationship – a quality I believe is essential for meaningful mentorship. Megan’s enthusiasm and commitment energized me and deepened my own investment in her success. I feel 100% committed to supporting Megan in her career and am excited to see all that see will achieve.
GC: Would you encourage other students/Alumni to participate in the UGA Mentor Program? If so, why?
Roberts: I would very much encourage students to participate! The UGA Mentor Program has been instrumental in my growth and has opened doors to incredible opportunities, including my current role with a major sports property. Stepping out of your comfort zone to connect with new people can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs. The best part is knowing you’ll have someone in your corner who supports you every step of the way.
Sloan: Absolutely, I would encourage other students to participate in the UGA Mentor Program. It’s a mutually beneficial experience for both the mentor and mentee. From my perspective as a mentor, it has introduced me to a younger generation, offering fresh perspective, new ways of thinking and a different lens on the world and working environment. How could that be anything but valuable? It has enhanced my ability to lead with greater empathy and perspective, skills that are essential in any setting. This program fosters growth, connection, and understanding for everyone involved.
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: Madden Callahan, emc50486@uga.edu