Alumni-Student Mentoring Program | Students | Alumni Engagement | NC State ISE

A grad student sitting at a classroom table talking with a prospective student.

Student Guidelines

You, the ISE student, are encouraged to apply at the start of each school year. But before signing up, you must review the handbook to understand the expectations for you and your mentor. For additional questions, contact our academic advisor, Deanna Cardamone | dagage@ncsu.edu | 919.515.5413.

Please note that student priority will be in this order: sophomores, juniors, graduate students and seniors until the available mentors are exhausted.

Student Roles and Responsibilities

Open and professional communication is the foundation of a productive student-mentor relationship. It would be best if you were enthusiastic and assertive in communicating your interests and needs. One of the most significant ways a mentor may be an asset to you is by sharing real-world work experiences. Take advantage of this resource by asking questions about the workplace and how best to prepare for specific work environments.

Note: Once the student-mentor match is made, It is your responsibility to contact the mentor within two weeks after the contact information is shared.

You may discuss a range of topics with mentors, from schoolwork and career goals to extracurricular activities and relationships with other students, faculty and staff. Remember that while mentors play many different roles throughout the relationship, they are not a parent or counselor. Most importantly, you must keep your commitments and remember that your mentor has volunteered to be of service to you this time.

Here are some examples of items you may wish to discuss with your mentor:

  • What’s it like to work in a manufacturing environment?
  • What’s it like to live and work in an international country?
  • What’s the difference between a co-op and an internship?
  • How do you motivate teammates?
  • What can you tell me about consulting careers?
  • Can you give me tips on negotiating a job offer?
  • Where do you envision the _________industry (or company) will be in the future?
  • Should I get an MBA (or other Masters) degree?
  • Should I pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) License?
  • Will you review my LinkedIn Profile?
  • What are the differences between working for a small company versus a large organization? Private versus publicly traded organizations?