What is the Mentoring Program?
The Alumni Student Mentoring program began in the spring of 2004 as a venue for alumni to provide guidance and support to the students of Fordham University. Now, three years later, the program has grown from 45 pairs of alumni and students to 90 pairs.

How do I apply?
The application process usually begins in the fall for both alumni and students, followed by a meet-and-greet event in January. It is at this event that the student and mentor have an opportunity to discuss how they will communicate throughout the following months.

Then, the Office of Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations typically host two more events – one halfway through the semester and one at the end of the semester. As the program continues to grow, we will discuss expanding the program to potentially include events such as networking opportunities at company sites and career fairs within the program.

What is the time commitment for this program?
The time commitment is based on what the mentor is willing to give. We do ask that you try to attend the three special events that are scheduled by the Office of Alumni Relations, and then work with your student to determine the best way to communicate throughout the semester: e-mail, telephone or in person. We also ask that, if possible, you allow your student to spend some time shadowing you at your place of employment.

Who are the students?
The students are from classes representing all three campuses. Some students have declared majors and others are undecided. The students involved in this program are self-motivated students that have committed to the program by going through an application process and attending training sessions.

What are the goals of this program?
The goals are to:

• Provide positive guidance to students.
• Act as positive role models and share insight into their undergraduate experiences and career paths as adults.
• Offer career guidance and general professional advice for living (cura personalis).
• Introduce students to the alumni community.
• Create awareness of the fact that the students are part of a larger Fordham community.
• Introduce the idea of long term relationship building and networking.
• Provide insight into different career areas for students (this program encourages career exploration).
• Inspire students to pursue new fields of interest or confirm current fields of interest.
• Motivate students to work towards long term goals (through internships, part-time employment, other networking forums, full-time employment and graduate school).
• Offer students a networking opportunity.
• Help students refine interviewing and networking skills.
• Provide information on how to research specific employers or companies.

What would my role as a mentor be?
A mentor's main role is to share his or her own wisdom on the college experience. Young alumni are ideally suited to be mentors, as current students find it easy to relate to someone who has so recently shared the same educational process. Mentors listen to students' questions and concerns about finding their way through their college career, and offer relevant advice based on their own experience. Mentors talk about their life, their job, what they did in the past that helped them get where they are now, and even the mistakes they made and how they learned from them. Mentors help point motivated students in the right direction for success. Mentors share useful career literature, recommend programs/classes, introduce students to other professionals, help with internship searches, and more. Mentors provide tips on interviewing and resume building, if required.

What else can I do as a mentor?

• Career: Host a group of students for an information session at your organization.
• Sponsorship: Host an evening event at your place of business.
• Job Shadowing: When possible, invite your student to your place of work for a half or full day of job shadowing.

How should I contact my student?
When first connecting with your student at the meet-and-greet, you and your student will sign a contract. In this contract, you will discuss the ways in which you will communicate. As a mentor, you can set the tone of the relationship. If you think it is best to communicate through e-mail rather than phone, the meet-and-greet would be the time to let your student know this.

How much contact will I have with my student?
Both you and your student will determine the degree of contact. However, a strong mentoring relationship usually involves multiple meetings and conversations.

How are the pairs selected?
The pairs are determined by the work experience of the alumni as well as the information on the students’ applications (student’s major, field of interest, memorable work experiences and role models). In the past, this information has proven to be an effective means of pairing mentors with their students.

What are some questions my student might ask?
The list is endless, but could include:

• What degrees or programs do you recommend to someone who wishes to advance in this field?
• How important is internship experience?
• When should I start planning my new/first career?
• Do you think you are working in a career field related to what you studied while in college?
• Could you describe a typical workday?
• What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
• What parts of your job do you find most challenging?
• Would you have done anything differently to prepare for your present career?

Does the Office of Career Services or the Office of Alumni Relations provide any materials in an effort to help answer difficult career-related questions?
Both the Office of Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations are available year round to provide advice to you on how to answer difficult questions.

What is considered an appropriate working relationship?
As a mentor, it is always critical to remember that you are a role model. Always use appropriate language and gestures and be respectful, no matter what method you use to communicate with your student. And remember, the mentoring relationship is not a peer relationship. Dating or “hanging out” with your student is not allowed.

• E-mails: You set the tone. However, friendly and businesslike is probably best.
• Phone Calls: It is important to immediately determine parameters for phone calls. Items to consider — Calls at work? Home only? Certain hours only? Frequency of calls? Who calls who?

In-Person Meetings:

• Appropriate meeting places include your place of business (job shadowing), or a public place at Fordham
• Inappropriate meeting places include bars, malls, apartments and dorm rooms.
  Drinking with or purchasing alcohol for your student is STRICTLY PROHIBITED

I am not a Young Alumnus. Can I still be a mentor?
Yes!

I do not live in the New York area but would love to be a mentor. How can I get involved?
The Office of Alumni Relations is in the process of creating a mentor database that young alumni from every area could access. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Caitlin Ahern at cahern@fordham.edu or by phone at (212) 636-7068. If you are interested in learning about alumni events in your region, please click here.

Who are the staff members involved in this program?