Finding a Mentor

As an OCU Star, you have numerous opportunities to benefit from a relationship with an OCU Alum. Through the OCU Alumni Mentor Program, you will be paired with an OCU Alum based upon mutual interests and professional goals. These one-on-one relationships will allow you to develop skills based upon your personal goals and objectives.

Benefits

• Gain valuable insight from seasoned professionals
• Expand your personal and professional network
• Discover different perspectives
• Achieve and set goals
• Cultivate leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Meet or communicate with your Mentor a minimum of once per month at formal program meetings
• Complete bi-annual assessments of what you gained at the end of the fall semester and then at the completion of the program in March
• Must be an enrolled student for the 2019-2020 academic year

I've applied for a Mentor- Now What?

Once your application has been received, we will review the Alumni Mentor Network database to make the best match based upon mutual interests, career paths, and availability. You will receive an email within 4 - 6 weeks, if not sooner (based upon availability) with your Mentor match information. Further instructions will be included in the email.

How much time am I expected to commit?

Students are asked to contact their Mentor at least once a month. The program will include six total in-person monthly meetings on campus, including the opening and closing receptions, in September and March respectively. During the opening, the mentor/mentee matches will be announced, and your first task will be to complete a Mentoring Goals & Communications Protocol agreement collaboratively in order to set the standards for this year-long commitment. This will include how and how often you will communicate outside of the formal in-person meetings.

When should I join the program?

The program is open to currently enrolled junior and senior students as of Fall 2019.

Will my Mentor get me a job?

This program is all about making connections and seeking advice from professionals in your field of interest- NOT about asking for a job or internship. If your Mentor sees you as a good fit, or recommends you for an awesome opportunity- that is a bonus!

My Mentor has never responded to me outside of the in-person meetings, what now?

What was your initial method for outreach? Unfamiliar emails can sometimes go straight to junk or clutter. If you have emailed a couple of times with no response, try picking up the phone! Often it is a simple technical issue keeping you from connecting, but in the rare case that things just aren't working out, please contact Career Services ASAP for further instructions.

As a proud OCU Alum your experiences and continued connections with the campus and community are extremely valued. Through the OCU Alumni Mentor Program, you will be paired with an OCU student based upon mutual interests and professional goals.

Benefits

• Make a difference in the professional development of a student
• Develop new networks with other alumni, staff, and emerging professionals
• Advise on personal growth, academics, and career topics
• Coach and provide feedback for increased leadership, teamwork and creative thinking

Responsibilities

• Possess and utilize strong interpersonal skills and an amicable personality
• Be available to meet or communicate with your Mentee a minimum of once per month at scheduled program meetings, as well as setting up a protocol for communicating outside of these meetings
• Complete bi-annual assessments of the program at the end of the fall semester and then at the completion of the program in March

I've registered for a Mentee- Now What?

Once your application has been received, we will review the Alumni Mentor Program applications to make the best match based upon mutual interests, career paths, and availability. You will receive an email within 4 - 6 weeks, if not sooner (based upon availability) with your Mentee match information. Further instructions will be included in the email.

How much time am I expected to commit?

Students are asked to contact their Mentor at least once a month. The program will include six total in-person monthly meetings on campus, including the opening and closing receptions, in September and March respectively. During the opening, the mentor/mentee matches will be announced, and your first task will be to complete a Mentoring Goals & Communications Protocol agreement collaboratively in order to set the standards for this year-long commitment. This will include how and how often you will communicate outside of the formal in-person meetings.

Who is asking for a Mentor?

The program is open to all currently enrolled students, but usually students are ready to have meaningful professional development conversations by the time they reach their sophomore year.

Am I supposed to get my Mentee a job or internship?

This program is all about making connections and seeking advice from professionals in your field of interest- NOT about asking for a job or internship. If your Mentee focuses solely on this aspect, please contact the Career Center. BUT if you see your Mentee as a good fit, or can recommend them for an awesome opportunity- Please do so!

My Mentee has never reached out to me, what now?

Unfamiliar emails can sometimes go straight to junk or clutter-please check there first! If you are comfortable, please consider reaching out to them. Students often need a gentle push in the right direction, and making an initial connection with you might be slightly intimidating. If you can get the ball rolling, odds are things will take off! In the rare case that things just aren't working out, please contact Career Services ASAP for further instructions.

Who is a Mentor and How can they help you?

Career mentors are individuals who volunteer to share their time and expertise with you to help you learn about careers and to begin building your professional network. These can be professionals within the OCU Alumni Mentor Program or someone within your industry that you feel could offer valuable insight. Students should be connecting with a career mentor to conduct informational interviews, network via email, job shadow, participate in a mock interview, or receive feedback on a resume or cover letter.

Sample Email Request to a Potential Career Mentor

How to Conduct an Informational Interview

After You Contact a Mentor

Once you have sent a message to a potential career mentor, please allow 5-10 business days for a response. When you receive a response, you should work with your mentor to determine how and when you will communicate with one another (i.e., by mail, by phone or in person; on which date).

• Remember to be punctual and prepared for your meetings/conversations
• Send a thank you note within 24 hours

Sample Thank You Note