FAQs
FAQs
How Does the Mentor Program Work?
Program Overview
- Students and mentors apply to participate in the program using criteria developed with industry best practices and feedback from staff and faculty.
- The Advisory Committee reviews applications and matches students with mentors.
- Participants use a mentoring guide that outlines suggested tasks, activities, and goals for the academic year.
- Students and mentors work together for one academic year, from fall through spring.
Where Will the Mentoring Happen?
How Mentoring Interactions Take Place
- The UMD Mentor Program matches students with mentors from across the country.
- The Alumni Relations team introduces each mentor–mentee pair via Zoom.
- After the introduction, all additional meetings are scheduled at the discretion of the student and mentor (e.g., in‑person meetings, phone calls, video conferences, email, etc.).
Goals
What Students and Mentors Will Gain
- Students will work with a professional to develop and reflect on goals and career pathways.
- Students will benefit from establishing and maintaining a professional relationship while in school.
- Students will become more familiar with an industry or profession that interests them.
- Alumni mentors will gain firsthand knowledge of the talent, knowledge, and curiosity of UMD students. This development will enhance the bond between alumni and their college.
- Alumni (and their employers) will gain access to some of the brightest and most hard-working students at UMD for their organization’s talent pipeline.
Outcomes
Benefits for Students and Mentors
- Students gain real‑world career insight while mentors contribute to shaping emerging professionals in their field.
- Students strengthen their communication and professionalism skills as mentors enhance their leadership and coaching abilities.
- Students expand their understanding of workplace expectations, and mentors gain fresh perspectives from the next generation entering their industry.
- Students build meaningful professional connections, while mentors broaden their networks through engagement with the program and fellow mentors.
- Students receive guidance during key academic and career transitions, and mentors experience the fulfillment of giving back to UMD in a direct, impactful way.
Assessment
How the Program Will Be Evaluated
- Students and mentors will be surveyed on their experiences in the program upon conclusion of the year.
- Staff will check in with students and mentors throughout the year to gauge individual satisfaction and performance.
- Data will be used to influence the application process, mentor pairing, recruitment, and programming in future years.