March 13, 2025
Meghan O'Toole
Meet the Forester mentors who help students make it
Over winter break, 242 members of the Forester network reached out to support current students through the Foresters CAREER Mentoring Program that pairs students with professionals.
Mentors provide invaluable advice, encouragement, and in some cases, connections to key opportunities, as students navigate the career world and explore their post-college options. The group includes employer partners and other professionals invested in Foresters’ success, and 90 percent of mentors are alumni.
Here is a look at what some of the mentors had to say about the experience.
Connecting students with resources and opportunities
Jeff Raffaelli '09
- Project Chemist, UL Solutions
- Chemistry and mathematics major, studio art minor
- Evanston, IL
“
I am continuing to reach out to my mentee with both potential career opportunities, such as grants, scholarships or programs that may be applicable to a current student trying to determine the next steps after academia. I was never great at leveraging networking skills until recent in my career, so I am more than willing to provide both those experiences as well as connections as best I can to help anyone I can.
Teaching students about fields of interest
Liz Anh Thomson '96
- Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Minnesota
- German and sociology and anthropology major
- Morris, MN
“
After my initial conversation with my mentee, I understood that the original internship they needed to complete to graduate didn't work out for them. I offered to do a remote internship with them so that they could graduate as well as learn more about the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's been a great experience for me to work with them and also feel connected to the College.
Understanding new challenges and new avenues of success
Henry Heath '97
- Coordinating Producer II, ESPN
- Mathematics major, economics minor
- Cromwell, CT
“
Listening to the different challenges that mentees face in this current environment has made me realize how many layers there are to deciding on a specific career path, as well as the numerous avenues to consider for networking opportunities, gaining experience, and beginning to build a brand. My hope is that I have been able to provide sound advice, guidance and an opportunity for a mentee to be both heard and raise questions related to their future direction.
Giving back to the Forester community
Nicole Moser '11
- Director of Global Mobility and Immigration, Kroll
- International relations and Spanish major, Asian studies minor
- Glenview, IL
“
One of the things that attracted me to Lake Forest College was the incredible networking opportunities available to students. I became a mentor in 2023 because I felt like I reached a stage in my career where I could give back to students the same way mentors gave to me. I love meeting current students, learning about their passions and career goals so I can point them in the right direction or connect them to someone in my network, and offering a perspective they may not have considered before.
Helping candidates understand what differentiates them
Aaron Kaplan '05
- Business Development and Business Intelligence Consultant, The Thermal Group
- Economics major
- Evanston, IL
“
I have been responsible for hiring at the various businesses I have worked for. I have seen many common issues with people coming out of college and feel I can lend my expertise to help students differentiate themselves from their competition.
Getting to know current students' individual goals and needs
Victoria Hagan '88
- Licensed Professional Counselor, independent practice
- Psychology major, biology minor
- Whitefish Bay, WI
“
Getting to know our students on a more personal level is inspiring. The students I have interacted with are well informed, well-spoken and genuine. I am impressed by our students and want to do what I can to prepare them to be successful in their career and life.