For Mentors

Find what you have in common. Ask the student about their time at Yale, explain the role your education played in your profession, and if there was anything you would have done differently. While it is a good idea to discuss networking opportunities, the interview process and ideas for the mentee’s professional future, there is no expectation that the mentor will be able to directly assist in the student's job/internship search or for you to network on the students’ behalf.

Set goals with your mentee. The primary role of the mentor is to act as a resource to the student; the mentor can provide career advice and share job searching tips with the unique perspective of having completed the same program as the mentee. Students select their mentors based on preferred sector and industry experience, background and location. A mentor acts as a trusted counselor and guide who provides a risk-free learning environment in which to offer career guidance. Your mentee has much to learn from you. Give feedback and make suggestions for what your mentee might try.

Attempt to return any message within one week, or indicate why this is not possible. Your mentee should schedule your next meeting each time you meet to ensure continuity. While there is no set time commitment, you and the student should plan to meet at a frequency that makes sense to both. A reasonable expectation could be monthly contacts of one form or another.

While our goal is to make this a mutually beneficial program, it is student driven. Some students will desire a long-term engagement, and others may just have a few questions about the field that they would like to ask. We will do our best to encourage students by confirming they have contacted you and reinforcing this in the materials we provide to them.

Sources include: Stanford Alumni Mentoring