Alumni Mentoring Program
The department offers an Alumni Mentoring Program in an effort to promote undergraduate students’ professional and personal development. This program underscores Virginia Tech’s three missions of learning, discovery, and engagement, offering students an opportunity to further enhance their education both inside and outside of the classroom. We hope that together we can provide mentees available resources enabling them to make more informed decisions regarding career and life choices.
The Alumni Mentoring Program offers each student a one-on-one relationship with an AOE alumnus/alumna who will provide both encouragement and support of the student’s professional and personal goals. Mentors, in turn, have the opportunity to embrace the Ut Prosim motto by making a tangible impact on a student’s life.
Students are eligible for the program when they have reached their sophomore year and beyond. The formal mentoring relationship is intended to last one academic year, but mentors and mentees are encouraged to keep in touch after the year has ended. New matches are made every year allowing students to expand their networks and perspectives.
Approximate Timeline for Alumni Mentoring Program, Each Academic Year
- Classes begin late August, and program is advertised to students
- Applications for both mentors and mentees are due September 10
- Matches made by mid-September
- Two special topic Zoom group meetings and one in person meeting per semester
- Resume reviews prior to career fair and recruitiment events
cMatches are made between alumni and students who share similar professional goals and interests. It is not necessary for a mentor to live in the Blacksburg area, as most of the interactions often take place via telephone or email. Mentors and mentees will determine their own schedule for communicating and meeting. However, we encourage all pairs to communicate via email, telephone, video chat, or in person at least twice a month.
The roles for mentors include:
- Offering advice and counsel
- Assisting the student with career exploration, developing a quality resume and improving interview skills
- Serving as a confidante during times of difficulty
We have many students who are eager to connect with alumni mentors. If you have an interest in being a mentor to a deserving student, please email aoe-alumni-mentor-g@vt.edu. Also, please consider sharing this information with any other alumni whom you believe would be positive and enthusiastic mentors. We thank you in advance for your involvement and your interest.
Students are eligible for the program when they have reached their sophomore year and beyond. The formal mentoring relationship is intended to last one academic year, but mentors and mentees are encouraged to keep in touch after the year has ended. New matches are made every year allowing students to expand their networks and perspectives.
Matches are made between alumni and students who share similar professional goals and interests. It is not necessary for a mentor to live in the Blacksburg area, as most of the interactions often take place via telephone or email. Mentors and mentees will determine their own schedule for communicating and meeting. However, we encourage all pairs to communicate via email, telephone, video chat, or in person at least twice a month.
The roles for mentees include:
- Be an active participant in communication with your mentor
- Working with your mentor on developing a quality resume and improving interview and presentation skills
- Seeking advice related to internship positions and co-op programs
- Exploring various career options and developing a post graduation plan with options
- Networking with alumni in the industry and government
If you have additional questions about the AOE Alumni Mentoring Program, please email aoe-alumni-mentor-g@vt.edu.