Alumni: Jim Sullivan, '77 and Rex Simpson, '70
photo of alumni Jim Sullivan and Rex Simpson

GRADUATE MENTOR PROGRAM

The LSER Graduate 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.

First Year Grad Students Wanted

The Mentor Program is designed for first year grad students, anticipating that the relationship will continue for one year. Students are recruited before and during their first (usually fall) term, but may also begin the program in their second (spring) term. Student FAQs and student registration info can be found below.

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. Your commitment is finite, and you can choose whether to re-up each year.

Any LSER alumni can apply to be a mentor. Those alumni already active with the department are encouraged to participate, but this program can also be a way for become active. Mentor FAQs and mentor registration can be found below.

Getting to Know You

Mentor/Student pairs are made as soon as possible after registrations applications made early during the spring and fall terms, and candidates are notified of their acceptance into the program. 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. Arrangements will be made students and mentors to meet at University Park in conjunction with LSER Department alumni events held each fall and spring. 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, graduate research, other extra-curriculars
  • Discuss papers written by the student or published by the mentor
  • Schedule monthly meetings or calls to discuss trends or developments in the field
  • 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 spring break

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 this link to view on-line resources that will help in résumé and portfolio building, industry/job reviewing, and career building tips. A written guide for this program will be provided to each pair with the notification of acceptance, and there will be guidance available at the orientation meeting.

Important Dates

Registration for student and mentor candidates are processed in February/March and August/September. Print and fill out the registration forms which appear after the FAQs.

Acceptance notification will be sent as soon as a pairing is made.

Students accepted into the program are expected to attend an orientation meeting at University Park, in conjunction with the regular fall Department alumni events, which are usually in November. Mentors are strongly encouraged to attend and meet their student face to face and begin the process of setting goals and expectations. Alumni unable to travel to State College for initial mentor program events are still encouraged to apply.
While initiating a mentor relationship in person is ideal, alternative communication channels, such as video conferencing, allow for face-to-face interaction. The program coordinator will attempt to match alumni demonstrating access to alternative forms of communication and who cannot travel to State College for our fall mentor program launch with a graduate student.

Student FAQ

Mentor FAQ

Student Registration Form

Mentor Registration Form

Mentor Program Guidelines

If you would like to join the other 900 plus alumni on our email listserv, email Jessica Steele

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