IGNITE at George Fox University
“Tell me and I forget; teach me and I may remember; involve me and I learn.”
- Popularized by Benjamin Franklin
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Connect.
IGNITE creates an opportunity for students to be paired with an industry advisor to develop critical skills and knowledge for professional success.
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Engage.
Mentors share their expertise in career-related topics, professional habits, networking skills, and more, providing students real-world insight they don’t get from a traditional class and which industry professionals are uniquely qualified to provide.
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Go!
Professional mentoring prepares students for their successful career launch.
Mission
Ignite is a mentorship program that creates an opportunity for undergraduate students to be matched with Christian industry professionals to develop critical skills for successful career discovery and inspiration.
Vision
IGNITE was created to bridge talented professionals with talented students who are interested in learning more than what they know today.
How it Works
IGNITE is all about Relationships. You will meet one-on-one a minimum of once a month with your mentor. These connections will help you to expand your network while developing soft skills, gaining real-world career perspective and building professional acumen.
Mentors offer personalized insight into job choices, professional habits, networking skills, and more, as well as practical guidance and perspectives that industry professionals are uniquely qualified to provide..
Your Role as a Student
Students who are selected to participate in the program must:
- Be invested, engaged and emotionally committed to being mentored
- Be actively involved on campus and/or in the community (intramurals, RA, music, church ministry volunteer, athletics, Young Life, etc.)
- Meet a minimum of once per month with their mentor
- Commit to a full program year
The Role of Industry Mentors
Mentors are Christian professionals who hold a college degree, have significant career experience, and are active in their communities. They are committed to:
- Meeting a minimum of once a month with their mentee
- Providing career guidance, job shadowing and networking opportunities
- Clear and open communication
- Participating in at least one full mentorship cycle
How Will I Benefit?
As a student partner in the program, you will:
- Gain a new perspective regarding career opportunities
- Have an outlet for career-prep questions
- Develop professional positivity and work-related knowledge
- Identify your skill gaps
- Get the opportunity to ask questions
- Develop connections
- Make yourself available to new things
Trey Moen ('22)
Computer Science with Cyber Security
Because of my industry advisor, I have a better understanding of the workplace from the perspective of a computer scientist and how to best navigate it in that role. IGNITE connected me with a remarkable human being, one who I hope to be friends with for many years to come.
Student-Produced Video
Directed by Jace Kallvet | Written by Alyssa Deranina | Produced by Spencer Shadbolt | Executive Producer Dawn W. Ford | Production Assistants Daniel Delong and Edauntae Harris
Olivia Jacobsen ('24)
Accounting
It has been so empowering to learn from such a strong woman who serves the Lord in the workplace. After just a short time, I know that I have someone who I can go to for advice and encouragement about any situation.
Mentors
Industry professionals mentoring for the Ignite program work for some of the world’s most recognizable companies:
Business Mentors
Engineering Mentors
Are you interested in becoming an Ignite mentor?
Contact Us
Tamara Wytsma, George Fox Ignite Program Director
twytsma@georgefox.edu
503-554-2776
Brandy Walton, Business Ignite Director
bwalton@georgefox.edu
503-554-2824
Neal Ninteman, Engineering Ignite Director
nninteman@georgefox.edu
503-554-2714