As students move through their academics and consider their future employment, it’s easy for them to become overwhelmed. Participating in an internship, job searching, meeting new professionals, and transitioning from college into a career can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be with the Career Services Alumni Mentor Network.
Through the Alumni Mentor Network, students can connect directly with alumni. According to Career Services Associate Director Natalie R. Alexander, who manages the network at Illinois State University, students 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.”
Alumni mentors can help students with tips on interviewing, networking, job searching, and other career/industry information.
“The Alumni Mentor Network is an excellent tool for Redbird alumni to give back their time and talent to the University and support the workforce of the future,” Alexander stated. “In fact, through their participation in the Network, they may actually find themselves identifying a future colleague or candidate for job openings with their employer.”
The program is easy to use. Students self-select a mentor from a list of volunteer mentors based on their preference and career goals and request the mentorship. In return, when alumni receive their request, they have the option to approve based on the student’s career interests or career questions. Once both parties accept the connection, they can decide among themselves how often to connect, the medium to use to communicate (i.e., phone, virtual, in-person, email, etc.) and other details for the mentorship.
Sign up for the Alumni Mentor Network
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.
“It really is all about providing opportunities for Redbirds to help Redbirds,” Alexander stated. And there’s no better way to connect with your alma mater than that!”
For more information about the Alumni Mentor Network, contact Career Services at (309) 438-2200.
