PSU Alumni Mentoring Program
What is my commitment as a mentor?
The mentor and mentee design their own relationship – how much time, what you talk about, and more. You can be available as a mentor by phone or email even if you live in Pennsylvania or out of state.
A mentor is a person who provides…
Academic Support
- Makes suggestions for improving study skills, habits, time and stress management skills.
- Teaches how to approach faculty and staff about course work, letters of recommendation, etc.
- Discusses graduate school options and experiences of attending graduate and/or professional schools.
- Demonstrates the benefits of a graduate education/degree.
- Guides and supports during the processes of: Selecting and enrolling in courses that meet requirements for the student’s major. Deciding on research opportunities and/or internships, fellowships and financial aid.
Personal Development
- Provides friendships and guidance.
- Offers and alternative perspective.
- Introduces your mentee to positive role models who have gone through similar experiences.
- Assists with learning effective problem-solving skills.
- Assists with identifying his or her strengths and areas of improvement.
- Encourages goal setting and achievement of those goals.
Career Development
- Advice on career options. Discusses particular fields of interest.
- Shares experiences of working in the “real world”.
- May take your mentee to work and having him/her “shadow” you for a day so that he or she can learn about a particular field.
- Guides and supports through the process of: Researching internships and summer positions with specific companies.
- Assisting in selecting specific companies to work for.
- Developing resumés and cover letters.
- Preparing for interviews.
- Introducing your student to a variety of information and resources to assist him or her in preparing for specific careers/jobs.
What is expected of me as a mentor?
- Help mentee acquire knowledge, information an skills that will smooth the mentees’s transition to and out of Penn State University.
- Encourage the mentee to approach other people for information and develop his or her own network of resources.
- Help the mentee to become an active, self-directed problem solver.
- Willingness to have regular contact with the mentee.
- Interest in establishing a special relationship with a mentee.
- Willingness to attend mentoring events and/or plan recommended activities, which could enhance your mentoring relationship.
What is the reward of being a mentor?
- A rewarding experience in guiding a PSU student.
- A chance to help your Alma Mater and be connected to PSU.
- Interaction with other alumni.
- Help the mentee succeed.
How Do I Become A Mentor?
- You may become a mentor by e-mailing the Office of Alumni Relations (hla2@psu.edu) or calling 610-396-6052. You will then be matched with a Penn State student.