FCS Mentoring PROGRAM

A hallmark of our Community pillar—and a valued benefit of membership

Now entering its seventh season, the FCS Mentoring Program connects marketing, communications, and media professionals across generations to foster meaningful career development and industry insight. With over 120 participants in our current cohort, the program continues to grow as one of the most impactful offerings for FCS members.

How It Works

The program runs annually, matching mentors and mentees based on career goals, experience, and areas of interest. Each pair is encouraged to meet at least once per month—virtually or in person—and receives support throughout the year, including: 

A kickoff virtual event each February
Quarterly check-ins hosted by the FCS Mentoring Committee
Invitations and discounts to select FCS events
Access to a broader network of fellow participants

At year’s end, mentees “graduate” from the program but are welcome to continue their relationships and participate in future mentoring cycles.

Who Can Participate

Participation is open exclusively to FCS members—highlighting our commitment to building a vibrant, connected community. Whether you’re an emerging professional looking to grow or a seasoned executive eager to give back, the Mentoring Program offers a meaningful way to engage.

Time Commitment

The expected time investment is about one hour per month for one year. We prioritize alignment and quality over quantity—ensuring each match is thoughtfully selected and supported.

FCS Marketing Scholars Program

Empowering the Next Generation  of Marketing Leaders

The FCS Marketing Scholars Program is a cornerstone of our mission to support diversity, equity, and inclusion within the financial marketing community. This fall, the program returns with an exciting enhancement: in addition to mentorship and professional development, each Scholar will take on a paid internship role with the FCS, supporting our website and social media initiatives.

We invite our FCS community to help bring this program to life, whether by serving as a mentor, hosting a job shadow day, offering informational interviews, or helping to underwrite the Scholars’ stipends. Your involvement has a lasting impact on the trajectory of a student’s career – and on the future of our industry.

A Program with Proven Impact

Launched in 2024, the FCS Marketing Scholars Program began with students from Baruch College and has since expanded to include students from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. Scholars are matched with senior marketing professionals for one-on-one mentoring and are invited to attend and learn from FCS events, build their networks, and participate in real-world professional experiences.

Through the generous support of our community, every  Scholar receives: 

A $2,000 stipend
One-on-one mentorship with a senior marketer
Invitations to FCS events
Opportunities for networking, learning, and visibility
Recognition at a FCS awards gala

Get Involved

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, hosting a job shadow day, offering an informational interview session, or helping fund the stipends for our next class of Hayward Scholars, please reach out to us to FCS Board Chair Tom Jago. 

Together, we’re shaping the future of financial marketing.

Honoring Hayward Henderson

Our students are referred to informally as “Hayward Scholars,” in honor of the late Hayward Curtis Henderson III, a cherished FCS Board Director whose passion for mentorship, service, and education shaped the very spirit of this program. Hayward’s legacy continues in each student we support.