• Information interviews: give advice on how you obtained your current position, what qualities and skills are needed to succeed in your field, changes that are happening, what the typical career track is, and what opportunities for networking or preparation are available
• Shadowing: allow students to visit you at your place of work, so they can observe you on-the-job
• Internships, summer jobs, entry jobs, advanced jobs: share information regarding leads or contacts for positions you know are available
• Regional information: describe the area in which you live, including information such as population, housing, relocation resources, etc.
• Provide tips on resumes, cover letters, and interviewing

• Graduate school information: provide suggestions for ways students can overcome obstacles in graduate school
• Assist with course selection, dissertations, etc.

• Help with goal-setting
• Build interpersonal skills

• Our office coordinates an average of 20 events each year for our graduate students--we strive to include alumni on panels, in small group discussions, or as presenters, as much as possible (travel expenses will be covered)

REGISTER HERE TO BECOME A MENTOR

If you are matched to a student, the student will be provided with the preferred contact information you indicated on your registration form. It is up to the student to make the first contact. Once the first contact is made, YOU decide whether or not you want to allow your interaction to continue. If you feel comfortable establishing a professional relationship, set the ground rules for how you want to proceed (i.e. limit contact to email once per week, remind the student that you are not their link to being hired, etc.). Refer to the Mentoring Resources page for guidance.

DO:

• Agree to one interaction (phone consultation, in-person interview, etc.) only. You may decide later that you would like to continue to advise a given mentee, but it is best not to set an expectation in advance that this will be the case.
• Commit to more interaction only if you are comfortable and have time.
• Set-up a mutually convenient time to talk and establish the length of time you are willing to spend.
• Create a professional relationship.
• Rely on the graduate student to contact you. Clearly define your expectations of the mentee.
• Share your biography.
• Describe your job history, the responsibilities of your present position and any advice about job opportunities in your field.
• Introduce the student to a variety of information and resources that will help with career preparation.
• Help identify skills/experiences that apply to your career field or organization.
• Suggest ways in which they might gain additional experience or training in your field.
• Describe the changes taking place in your field, typical career tracks and projected future trends.
• Give a tour of your office.
• Share any materials that might give the graduate student a better understanding of your organization.
• Share insight into the expected and appropriate behavior for various professional settings.
• Suggest other networking opportunities such as community groups, service organizations, professional organizations, contact names, etc.
• Help the mentee to become an active, self-directed problem solver.
• Make suggestions for improving study skills, habits, time, and stress management skills.
• Improve the graduate student's technical and interpersonal skills.
• Help the mentee achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life.
• Allow the mentee to vent frustration without fear of reprisal or a breach of trust.
• Provide advice on setting and reaching professional goals.
• Provide friendship and guidance.
• Offer an alternative perspective.
• Help identify your mentee's strengths and areas that need improvement.
• Assist with the development of resumes and cover letters.
• Help your mentee prepare for an interview.
• Remember that networking is a two-way street. Don't be afraid to call in a favor.
• Keep your contact information up-to-date by emailing ajrose@umich.edu with any changes.

• Feel that your role is to find a job for the graduate student.
• Feel obligated to make long-term commitments of any kind.
• Over-extend yourself. Let the graduate student know if you do not have time, and inform them of a better time to contact you.