Home > Professional Development Center > Neeley Next Step Mentorship Program
Your next step starts here.

Neeley Next Step is a peer mentorship program founded and led by students. It empowers first-year business students to explore majors, build confidence and chart a purposeful path at the TCU Neeley School of Business.

If you are a first-year business student or plan to transfer into Neeley, this mentorship program connects you with experienced upper-level students. They help you explore academic options, leadership skills and career paths early on. 

Two girls sitting at a round table with laptops

How the Program Works

  • Six one-on-one mentor meetings spaced throughout the semester
  • Fall and spring cohorts for flexibility
  • Program-wide events that build community and elevate your experience
  • Built-in pathway to leadership – many mentees return as mentors

How You Will Benefit

Get Personalized Guidance
Work one-on-one with a knowledgeable upper-level Neeley student who has been where you are. Your mentor offers insight on choosing classes, exploring majors, joining organizations and finding your place at TCU.
Build Skills Through a Proven Framework
Follow a six-meeting mentorship plan that covers career tools, professional skills, student involvement and more. You will set goals and grow through a structured, supportive experience.
Navigate Opportunities with Confidence
Access a digital resource bank designed to help you make informed decisions. It includes overviews of Neeley departments, academic programs, student organizations and career support.
Stay on Track with a Clear Guide
Use a detailed curriculum guide outlining each conversation with your mentor. Prompts, activities and tools help you reflect, grow and take the next step as a business student.
Expand Your Network
Attend events that help you meet other business students, build connections and grow your confidence as a future leader at TCU Neeley.
Take Your Next Step Toward Success

After completing the Neeley Next Step as a mentee, many first-year business students choose to give back by applying to serve as mentors within the program. It's a powerful way to grow personally and professionally while supporting others on the same journey.

As a sophomore, you can also deepen your experience by applying for the Neeley Mentorship Program. This 10-week experience connects you with an experienced industry professional for one-on-one coaching and  real-world insight into the business world. It is guided by upper-level Neeley students who previously participated as mentees.

You’ll also be ready to pursue Neeley’s Pathways of Distinction – advanced opportunities that strengthen your leadership, expand your network and accelerate your career path.

Join as a Mentee

Applications open at the start of each semester

Serve as a Mentor

Share your knowledge and leadership skills with the next generation of business students. To express interest, email us at NeeleyNextStep@tcu.edu. Mentors must be enrolled in the Neeley School of Business. Upper-level students and former mentees receive preference.

Program Impact

115
Mentees supported since Spring 2024
32
Mentors representing all business majors, minors and certificates
700+
Hours of mentor-mentee meetings recorded

What Students Are Saying

What Students Are Saying

What Students Are Saying

"Neeley Next Step gave me an eye-opening lens into the resources and opportunities within the business school. Having a great mentor allowed me to ask questions about their journey, which gave me confidence coming in as a first-year student.” 
– Ethan Park, Fall 2024 Mentee

“My biggest takeaway was the importance of taking initiative –whether reaching out to mentors, seeking learning opportunities or stepping into leadership roles. The program showed me that success is not just about what you know, but how you apply it and who you surround yourself with.” 
– Camey Crossley, Spring 2024 Mentee and Spring 2025 Mentor

Meet the Leadership Team

Photo: Ellie Grau

Ellie Grau

President
 

Photo: Nic Gallagher

Nic Gallagher

Director of Mentor Relations
 

Photo: Lindsey Gattis

Lindsey Gattis

Director of Recruitment
 

Photo: Anna Gilbert

Anna Gilbert

Director of Marketing
 

Photo: Lauren Laquey

Lauren Laquey

Director of Programming
 

Photo: Jacob Friedman

Jacob Friedman

Director of Operations