Becoming a Mentor

Career Services & Student Employment has a program in place through the UV Job Board that allows interested alumni or employers to mentor students and/or alumni who request this opportunity. Additionally, you can sign up to be a mentor on campus through UVSC Alumni Services.

The Mentor Title

A mentor is a person who is willing to share his/her knowledge, skills and experience to help an individual develop professionally and personally. The mentor may assume the role of a career coach, confidant, counselor or consultant. Mentoring is used as a strategy for career and skills development.

The Role of Mentor

Mentors help prepare students for work after graduation by providing them with an appreciation of the workplace culture and challenges of the profession. The mentoring relationship is voluntary, and participating in the program is not a requirement of the student's course of study. As a mentor, you would offer support, encouragement, and an 'industry perspective' to the student. No promise of employment is made or sought in a mentoring relationship. From the start, you and your student will discuss your mutual expectations and goals for the mentoring relationship.

Suggested Mentor-Student Activities

• Informational Interview:
  - How you got your job, steps to get job/prepare for work, job duties, daily routine, likes and dislikes, work/life balance, education, advancement, etc.
• Review and critique the student's resume
• Participate in a mock interview in person or over the phone
• Discuss career options with the student
• Discuss how to balance professional and personal life
• Advise student how to establish networking contacts
• Participate in a "shadowing day"

If you would like additional information and/or to register as a mentor, please contact our office.