Having just completed a summer internship, one student was inspired to get her career going and to start making connections in her field. However, she felt a little intimidated about meeting experienced professionals outside the workplace or at school. She wanted to connect with someone already doing the work she wants to do to serve as a mentor.
This student is not alone. In fact, most students feel a little uneasy when starting their careers as a student. To assist students, Career Services offers the Alumni Mentor Network.
“Students have always asked for ways to connect directly with alumni. The Alumni Mentor Network is the perfect way for Redbirds to help Redbirds,” said Career Services Associate Director Natalie R. Alexander, who established the network at Illinois State University. The Alumni Mentor Network is a tool that allows students to self-select an alum to serve as their mentor.
“Students choose for themselves from the list of alumni who volunteer based on their preference and career goals,” Alexander said. “In this way they learn from the professional expertise of the alum, while the alum has an opportunity to make an impact on the career of a future professional.”
Sign up
Located within Hire-A-Redbird, using the Alumni Mentor Network is easy for students and alumni alike. Just scan the QR Code below, or bookmark the Alumni Mentor Network login page.
“Alumni mentors can help students with how to interview, develop successful networking techniques, and share career-specific tips and tricks,” Alexander said. “It’s the perfect tool to connect students with alumni and tap into their career experience.”
For more information on the Alumni Mentor Network, contact Career Services at (309) 438-2200.
