Timothy Mention has been honing his skills in business since attending his alma mater Winthrop University.

Mention is a 2013 graduate of Winthrop University where he studied Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Management. Now he works as the Financial Aid Counselor at York Tech.

Check out his Q/A below.

SB: Tell me about your role at Winthrop including any leadership roles, recognition and positions you held while a student at WU.

TM: During my time at Winthrop, I was involved in a lot of different organizations.

I served as an Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor, Vice-President of Student Conduct Committee for Greek Life, Admissions Counselor Assistant, Charter member of The Gentlemen’s League, a member of TRiO, Historian for the Health Care Management Club and for Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, and President for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

SB: What is a typical work day like for you?

TM: Currently, I work dual roles at York Technical College. I just received a promotion to a Senior Loan Counselor. However, I’m still working as the FWS Coordinator/ Financial Aid Counselor until my replacement gets hired and trained. But, I work with current and new students on figuring out the best way to pay for their education. Along with serving as the FWS supervisor for about 60 students and making sure I’m using the program as a retention tool. I also use the FWS program to help develop students by conducting a variety of developmental and leadership workshops with them.

SB: When you’re not busy in your profession, what do you like to do for fun?

TM: In my spare time, I actually like to travel the world and plan trips for others to do the same. About a year ago, I started my own travel business called Mention Getaways. Hey follow us on social media!

SB: What is one thing that you love about Winthrop, why did you choose WU?

TM: I love the diversity that the campus has. That was one of the reasons I chose Winthrop.

I also chose Winthrop because of my first visit during orientation. I fell in love with the culture and environment that Winthrop had to offer, everyone was so nice and helpful, that I could not resist.

SB: How did classes at Winthrop and past internships help you prepare to be an effective business professional?

TM: Classes at Winthrop definitely prepared me for my current position. Especially, my management courses and my computer science labs. I use Microsoft Office daily and without knowing any of the shortcuts I learned in college.

I think the time to create reports for work would’ve doubled. As far as my internships and jobs, they really showed me what it's like in the real world. It also taught me how to budget. During the summer of my junior year, I had to complete a 400 hour internship without pay. It was tough but, I made it through.

SB: Who is your role model?

TM: My role model is definitely my Dad. I look up to him a lot and I always call him when I need advice. He really pushes me to do great things and is always encouraging me to never give up when things get tough.

SB: What is a fun interesting fact about you?

TM: An interesting fact about me is I actually do not like chocolate candy and the only chocolate I like is white chocolate. I know it’s weird, who doesn’t like chocolate.

SB: What advice would you give to the freshman class especially the young men entering the same career path as you?

TM: I will definitely tell them it all starts with your freshmen year. If you mess up your first year, it’s going to be hard trying to get back to where you want to be. Networking will help you in more ways than you think. Last but not least, get involved on campus and take on some leadership’s roles, it will pay off later on trust me.

SB: How would you tell young men how to best prepare for college?

TM: If you have any scholarships, keep your grades up and do not lose them. Do not spend a whole lot of money in the bookstore. Definitely, have respect for the women on campus it’s a lot of them and they outnumber us. LOL

SB: What are your long-term career goals?

TM: My long-term career goal is to transition back to the University sector and become a Vice-President of Student Affairs.