About the Meet-a-Mentor Program
Thank you for your interest in becoming a mentor volunteer!
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the Meet-a-Mentor Program is to bring UB students and recent graduates together with experienced professionals who are willing to help with the transition from college to the workplace. Our mentor volunteers answer students' questions about a variety of career related topics, including:
- career exploration
- job searching
- internships
- resumes & cover letters
- interviewing strategies
- relocation tips
- graduate/professional school
- networking
Mentors play a significant role in the career education of UB students, who are learning to make good decisions, as well as conduct themselves professionally. They are also an invaluable resource for alumni seeking a career change or relocating to a new city.
Who Is Eligible
Anyone with an interest in helping UB students and graduates is eligible to become a mentor, regardless of career area, academic background, or geographic location. Most of our mentors are UB alumni, but we also have a number of UB faculty, staff, parents, employers, and members of the community participating in the program.
How It Works:
1. REGISTER ONLINE. Complete the online Mentor Registration Form. You may choose which of your contact information can be viewed on our secure web site (including home or work addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and/or email address). You will be asked to provide a description of your career history and current job responsibilities, as well as specific information on the type of assistance you are willing to provide. This information is entered into a searchable Mentor database in BullsEye, our password-protected online career services program.
2. CHECK YOUR PROFILE. Soon after registering, you will receive a confirmation email from a Career Services staff member, which will include login instructions to access your mentor record online. This will allow you to view and edit your information on the web at any time.
3. RESPOND TO EMAILS OR CALLS. UB students and alumni who are seeking mentor assistance will browse the Mentor database, and if they think you are a good match for their needs, they will initiate contact with you (usually via email). Together, you will set goals for the mentor/mentee relationship, and decide when and how to meet (or speak by phone).
As a mentor volunteer, you set the parameters for your involvement in the program. It might be as simple as a resume critique session, telling the student about your industry, or offering career advice via email. Or, perhaps you're willing to offer a tour of your organization or even a day of shadowing. Please see the Mentor Guidelines & Tips Page for further details.
4. KEEP IN TOUCH. After completion of the mentoring contact, you are asked to complete a Mentor Volunteer Evaluation Form so that we can monitor participation in the program and address any concerns you may have.
If at any time you wish to discontinue your participation in the Meet-a-Mentor Program (either temporarily or permanently), please call Career Services at 716.645.2231 or email us. We understand our volunteers are busy people and are not always able to sustain their involvement indefinitely.
Reviews
Since the program's inception (as UB*Link) in 1991, thousands of mentor matches have been made. Our mentor volunteers demonstrate a strong commitment to the program, as they experience a sense of fulfillment when helping students in this way.
Students, new graduates, and alumni alike have consistently reported that this program has met or exceeded their expectations. The process of teaching networking skills transmits critical information necessary for today's work world.
Student Testimonials- "It was the best experience I've ever had through UB. I would suggest this program to all students." Melissa Wisner/BA English
- "Very informative and helpful in providing direction for career development" Robert Bollinger/BS Chemical Engineering
- "The alumnus brought me some pertinent articles about resume preparation and supplied some important contact names and numbers of the WNY community. I give our meeting an A+." Clare Reardon/BA Communication
- "...able to direct me to what types of positions to seek because I have no experience. This is a great way to gain confidence in beginning a job search." Debra Harden/BA Social Science Interdisciplinary
We hope you decide to join the ranks of the hundreds of mentor volunteers in this valuable program! Use this link to sign up. For additional information, please contact Career Services at 716.645.2231.
