Mentor Program

The Liberal Arts Mentor Program connects students with alumni to advance the students' professional development. Through one-on-one matches with alumni, students gain insight and advice as they consider their career options, gain essential job-finding skills, and begin establishing the all-important network of alumni and other professionals they'll need as they enter the work world.

Juniors Wanted

The Mentor Program is designed for juniors-others are eligible-in the College of The Liberal Arts. The program starts in the fall and runs approximately one year. Students are recruited in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Student FAQs and student application can be found by clicking on each of the links.

Alumni Wanted, too

Professionals today have so much desire to give back, but often can't find the time to do it. This program is perfect for you, because it's flexible to match your schedule. It's spread out over enough time to keep the pace energetic but not frenetic. Yet your commitment is finite, and you can choose to re-up each year.

Any Liberal Arts alumni can apply to be a mentor. Members of the Liberal Arts Alumni Society and those alumni already active with specific departments or the college are encouraged to participate. Mentor FAQs and mentor registration can be accessed by clicking on each of the links.

Getting to Know You

Mentor/Student pairs are made during the summer, and candidates are notified of their acceptance into the program in August. Mentors and students are matched based on a number of factors, including career interests, on- and off-campus activities, geographical interests, and personal strengths and areas for improvement.

Planning for Success

The program is structured to ensure opportunity for success, but flexible to meet the needs of the individual pair. Students and mentors will meet at an orientation program scheduled for late September 2008. Each pair will decide how and when to communicate throughout the school year. This could be a monthly phone call, a bi-weekly e-mail, or some combination or alternative-that which works best with their schedules. At that time they will also establish a set of goals and benchmarks for the year.

For example:

  • Conduct and discuss career interest inventory
  • Consult on course selection and other in-school options-student organizations, undergraduate research, other extra-curriculars
  • Research summer jobs and/or internships
  • Write/edit résumé
  • Write/edit cover letter
  • Job shadow with the mentor or mentor's contacts between semesters or during other breaks

What It Is, What It's Not

The Mentor Program is NOT an employment program; there is no expectation that a mentor provides or arranges employment for a student. It is a consultative relationship in which mentors, by leveraging their own rich experience and professional network, provide personalized feedback and guidance to students. By participating in the program, students are investing in their own professional development.

Mentor Resources

Mentors and students alike can visit the link above to view many on-line resources that will help in résumé and portfolio building, industry/job reviewing, and career building tips.

Important Dates

Applications for student and mentor candidates are being accepted now.

Acceptance notification will be sent by August 2008.

Mentors and students accepted into the program are expected to attend an orientation in September 2008.

For applications and answers to FAQs, click on the links below.

Student Application—Student FAQ

Mentor Registration—Mentor FAQ