CEN Mentoring Program - Alumni
Overview
The CEN Alumni-Student Mentoring Program connects current students with successful alumni from the College of Engineering. The program aims to foster meaningful relationships, provide guidance and offer career insights for current senior students and recent CEN graduates. In addition, the program introduces a unique reward system to incentivize and acknowledge alumni participation.
A Win-Win Opportunity
For Alumni Mentors:
- Gain access to a pool of potential interns or employees
- Serve as a role model for future engineers
- Expand your network through connections with fellow alumni
- Experience the fulfillment of giving back and remaining connected to your alma mater
- Improve your management and leadership skills through interactions with mentees
Key Dates
- September 2024: Launch the program
- October 2024 – May 2025: Mentorship program duration
- October 1, 2024: Students review alumni profiles
- October 4, 2024: Students request mentorship
- October 7, 2024: Deadline for alumni to confirm selection of mentee
- October 9, 2024: Mentor and students connect and sign the agreement form
- October 15, 2024: Networking event to kick off the mentorship program
- January 2025: Job shadowing
Matching Criteria
- Career Goals and Industry Focus: Match based on the student’s career aspirations and the alumni’s industry experience
- Technical Skills and Expertise: Pair students with alumni based on desired technical skills
- Educational Background: Match based on major, paired with alumni who have pursued advanced degrees
- Cultural Background: Consider cultural or linguistic commonalities or gender
Program Expectations
Program Expectations for Mentors (Alumni)
- Commitment Duration: One academic year (October 2024 – May 2025)
- Communication: Monthly communication at a minimum
- Surveys: Completion of pre, mid, and post surveys
- Responsiveness: Timely and responsive communication
- Job Shadow: Host the student(s) for a job shadowing experience during January 2025
Topics
Topics that can be discussed:
- Your personal career path and experience
- Current issues in the profession
- Career tracks and exploration
- Workplace environment and expectations
- What a “typical” day is like for an engineer
- How to look for and get a job
Mentor Eligibility
- Must be a graduate of the AUS College of Engineering
- Should have at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field
- Willing to host mentee for a job shadow day in January 2025
- Willing to commit with mentees and meet (in-person or online) at least once per month
Mentor Responsibilities
As a mentor in the CEN Alumni Mentorship Program, alumni are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Engage actively in the mentorship for the full academic year (October 2024 – May 2025)
- Collaborate with your mentee to set clear and achievable goals at the beginning of the mentorship
- Provide guidance on academic and career planning, offering insights and advice based on your own experiences
- Maintain consistent communication with your mentee, with at least one meeting per month
- Offer advice on resume building, interview preparation and networking strategies
- Provide opportunities for your mentee to gain exposure to industry practices, including job shadowing or attending industry events
- Maintain professionalism and uphold ethical standards in all interactions with your mentee
- Respect the confidentiality of any personal or sensitive information shared by your mentee
- Attend program-related events, such as the kick-off networking event and any quarterly activities, to foster a sense of community and shared learning
- Host the student(s) for a job shadowing experience during January 2025
- Review and sign the mentorship agreement with your mentee, outlining expectations, goals and communication norms
