Alumni-Student Mentoring Program | Alumni Engagement | NC State ISE
Alumni-Student Mentoring Program
The Alumni-Student Mentor Program (ASMP) provides students of the ISE Department the opportunity to seek counsel and network with highly successful and experienced alums.
The Matching Process
After the student and the mentor registration are complete, a committee composed of an ISE Department advisor, ISE advisory board alumnus and department staff will match students with mentors.
This committee will create a match based on the student’s expressed interest in specific careers and industries. Priority will be given to sophomores, juniors, graduate students and seniors until the available mentors are exhausted.
When the matching process is complete, the student and mentor are sent an email with each other’s contact information.
It is the student’s responsibility to contact the mentor within two weeks after the contact information is shared.
During the initial meeting, the student and mentor should discuss their backgrounds, interests, and professional goals. They should also consider what types of goals should be set for the duration of their mentoring relationship.
After the initial meeting, If the student or mentor does not feel the match is appropriate, contact our academic advisor, Deanna Cardamone | dagage@ncsu.edu | 919.515.5413.
The Mentoring Process
To begin the student-mentor relationship, both parties should work together to establish guidelines and goals. The pair should set parameters for the relationship, such as preferred appointment time, frequency of appointments and most convenient communication methods (email, video chat, phone call, face-to-face, etc.).
The pair should also establish goals to achieve by working together. If the mentor or the student finds the match to be less than ideal, it is his or her responsibility to formally end the relationship by notifying the other party that they do not wish to continue the mentoring relationship. Additionally, they should contact our academic advisor, Deanna Cardamone | dagage@ncsu.edu | 919.515.5413, that the relationship has ended. If the student desires a different mentor, CAardamone can assist in finding a new mentor.
The mentoring phase of the Alumni-Student Mentoring Program lasts as long as the mentor and student wish to maintain the relationship. However, at the end of each year, while the student still attends NC State, the student and mentor are asked to complete a summary report.
The success of the mentoring phase is highly dependent on the relationship between the student and the mentor. Additionally, it is critical to the mentoring process’s success that the student asks questions and shares professional interests and goals with his or her mentor.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on how often you and your mentee decide to meet for mentoring discussions. For example, if you meet monthly you will talk with your mentee around six times.
We will also ask that you complete a survey every semester you mentor. This will ensure our program is constantly improving.
Alumni mentors must be graduates of the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial Engineering. You can choose between in-person meetings, phone calls, or video chats.
As a mentor, you will use your experience and knowledge to support your student’s development.
But, the responsibility for making things happen lies with the student.
Prepare to cover some of the following:
- Ask questions to develop an understanding of an issue presented by the student
- Share information, knowledge and informal networks
- Provide advice on career interests and development
- Give support and encouragement
- Provide insight into your work and career
- Offer guidance and advice in regard to career qualifications
- Be a sounding board
- Be critical but kind
- Encourage self-reflection
- Highlight skills for students to develop
- Offer a different outlook
Make sure you read all the information provided about the Alumni-Student Mentoring Program. Then, complete the Mentor Registration.
When the matching process is complete, you and your mentee will receive an email with each other’s contact information. It is up to the student to contact you within two weeks of receiving the email.
If you have any questions, please contact our academic advisor, Deanna Cardamone | dagage@ncsu.edu | 919.515.5413.