Mentorship for College Students Who Mean Business
Big Careers is one of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ newest programs, providing personalized, career-focused mentorship for college students. Designed for young adults facing barriers such as limited access, representation, or career exposure, this innovative initiative helps students gain the social capital and confidence they need to grow into Orange County’s next generation of workforce leaders.
This is more than academic support—it’s real-world career mentoring with long-term impact. Each student is matched one-to-one with a professional mentor in Southern California, an accomplished and connected business leader who offers guidance and encouragement throughout their college journey and into a high-impact career. With monthly communication, access to exclusive career readiness resources and events, and ongoing support from BBBS Match Support Specialists, students in Big Careers receive the wraparound support they need to excel in college and launch successful careers.
WHO ARE OUR MENTORS
Accomplished professional mentors in Southern California who are:
- Respected entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and industry leaders shaping the future of business and innovation
- Passionate about creating a more equitable workforce and cultivating the next generation of talent
- Deeply rooted in the local business community, helping mentees tap into influential networks and real career pathways
Interested in becoming a mentor?
WHO ARE OUR MENTEES?
Big Careers mentees are highly motivated students who:
- Are enrolled in or accepted into a community college, four-year college, or university
- Aspire to careers in business or entrepreneurship
- Are seeking a career mentor and professional networks
- Often are the first in their families to attend college
Interested in becoming a mentor?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We ask for a minimum one-year commitment and monthly mentor-mentee check-ins. Additionally, there are quarterly touchpoints with a BBBS Match Support Specialist.
Each match sets their own schedule, making Big Careers easy to fit into busy lives. In addition to regular virtual or in-person match check-ins, participants receive ongoing support from a BBBS Match Support Specialist and get exclusive access to career readiness workshops, networking events, and personalized resources to help students succeed in college and beyond.
We thoughtfully pair students with their career mentor based on shared interests, personality, and college and career goals to create strong, impactful relationships.
Yes. All mentors complete reference checks and a national criminal background check to ensure a safe and trusted experience.
POWERED BY BLAKE JOHNSON ALLIANCE
Big Careers is made possible through a generous grant from entrepreneur and philanthropist Blake Johnson, a BBBSOCIE Board Member and the founder of the Blake Johnson Alliance. Named Philanthropist of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Johnson understands the power of mentorship firsthand. He created the Blake Johnson Alliance to expand opportunities for young people to succeed in school and in life. Big Careers is a testament to that mission, empowering youth in their pursuit of higher education to help them rise, lead, and thrive.
