Mentorship stands as a cornerstone of impactful education and meaningful career development. Reflect on the mentors who have guided you – their influence often shapes pivotal moments in our professional and personal lives. By participating in the SIS Career Mentorship Program, you gain a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the School of International Service (SIS) community. You’ll directly empower aspiring professionals, equipping them with a robust support system and essential skills to excel in their chosen fields.
Why Mentoring Matters for Students and Your Career
Becoming a mentor in a Career Mentorship Program For Students is not just about giving back; it’s about shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. This program provides a structured framework to guide students in developing vital career competencies. As a mentor, you will play a crucial role in helping students bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success. Moreover, the experience is mutually beneficial. Mentorship hones your own leadership, communication, and coaching skills, enhancing your professional profile while making a tangible difference in a student’s life.
Program Structure and Mentor Support
To ensure a fulfilling and effective mentorship experience, the SIS Career Mentorship Program provides comprehensive support and resources for mentors. At the program’s outset, you’ll receive detailed guidance to facilitate planning and execution of your mentorship. You will have access to SIS’s extensive online career resources, a curated selection of suggested activities, and conversation starters designed for each month of the program. These resources are strategically designed to assist your student mentee in achieving proficiency across key career readiness competencies, including critical thinking, leadership, and communication. Furthermore, mentees will establish personal professional goals at the program’s beginning, providing a clear roadmap for your mentorship journey together. We encourage mentors to enrich the experience by incorporating their unique insights and suggesting personalized activities, tailoring the mentorship to the individual needs and aspirations of their student mentee.
Tangible Outcomes for Student Mentees
Your commitment as a mentor in a career mentorship program for students will directly translate into significant advantages for your mentee. Through your guidance, student mentees are poised to achieve:
- Enhanced Career Competencies: Development of eight key career competencies highly sought after by employers, making them more competitive in the job market.
- Progress Towards Career Goals: Meaningful progress in 1 to 3 self-defined career goals, accelerating their professional trajectory and providing clarity on their path.
- Expanded Professional Network: Introduction to at least one new, relevant professional contact within your network, opening doors to future opportunities and industry insights.
- Professional Career Materials: Development of high-quality foundational career materials, including a robust resume and compelling cover letter, essential tools for launching their careers.
Eligibility and Time Commitment
The SIS Career Mentorship Program welcomes American University alumni to apply as mentors. Current SIS graduate students passionate about mentoring undergraduate students may also be considered on a case-by-case basis, enriching the diversity of mentor perspectives.
Alumni mentors are asked to dedicate approximately 1-5 hours per month to mentorship activities throughout the academic year, spanning from September to May. This commitment allows for consistent engagement and meaningful relationship building between mentor and mentee.
Get Involved in Shaping Future Careers
The application cycle for mentors for the 2024-2025 academic year is currently closed. However, if you are enthusiastic about becoming a mentor and contributing to the career mentorship program for students in the 2025-2026 school year, we encourage you to express your interest. Please complete this form to register your interest, and we will notify you as soon as the application process opens next fall.
For any inquiries or further information about the career mentorship program for students, please do not hesitate to contact SIS Career. Your involvement can make a profound impact on the next generation of SIS professionals.
