Student Alumni Mentor Network (SAMN)

The Student Alumni Mentor Network is designed to connect students with professionals who can help with their career exploration. As an alumni mentor, students will benefit from advice regarding your personal career path, employment opportunities in your industry, and tips for entering today’s job market.

By registering, you will see that you can serve as an on-line resource for people interested in learning more about your career field and you determine how students should contact you and what type of activities you would allow. Only students and alumni with password access may view the information you provide.

We'd like your help in spreading the word about our Student Alumni Mentoring Network. Send messages to friends and alums that you think would be great mentors.

• What is the purpose of a mentor?
• What are the advantages in becoming a mentor?
• How much time should I be expected to spend on the program? With students?
• What are some activity choices?
• Will students expect me to hand them a job at my organization?

What is the purpose of a Mentor?

A Mentor is a Utah State University alumna or alumnus or other professional who is interested in networking with current USU students and alumni. This person should be interested in answering students’ questions about their careers.

A mentor’s primary purpose is to contribute to a student’s career exploration. Mentors can share tips on finding and beginning a new job. They may also provide advice to students about their educational career, possible careers, or particular career paths.

What are the advantages of becoming a Mentor?

Benefits for participating in our program include 1) the opportunity to give feedback to students, 2) that ability to help students reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships, 3) the chance to show students the relevance of education as it pertains to “real world”, 4) increased pride in your career, 5) the chance to gain satisfaction through helping 6) the chance to screen potential employees/interns, 6) a chance to give back to the campus.

How much time should I expect to spend on the program?

It is entirely up to you and your schedule. In your mentor profile, you can select the maximum number of students you would like to have contact you per month. You may also choose which contact information you want to make available to students.

How often can I expect to be contacted by students?

Again, this is up to you. You choose how much and which type of contact information you want students to view. You also select the maximum number of students you want to have contact you each month.

Keep in mind when selecting your maximum number that students are often "just looking" and may not contact you. Of course, if you are in a hot field or job market, you may receive more calls or emails than other mentors.

What are some activity choices?

You may either choose between a job shadowing or simply a mentoring activity.

Job Shadowing: you would accommodate a student or group of students at your work place for a short visit or to job shadow you for a few hours. This is really up to you.

Mentoring: this can be done in a variety of ways; if you are on campus, both of you could connect over lunch. Otherwise exchanging emails or phone calls to share advice is also fine.

I don't work in Human Resources, and I'm not a recruiter. Will USU students and alums think I'll be able to get them a job at my organization?

No, students are advised not to use the Mentor Program to solicit employment opportunities from Mentors. Although internships, job shadowing, and informational interviews are possible outcomes of a student/mentor relationship, they cannot be guaranteed and should not be expected. The purpose of this program is merely to communicate with students and alumni about questions they may have regarding your field and your job search.