The Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering 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.

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.

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
  •  New mentee orientation will be held at the end of September 
  •  1-2 social events will be hosted in Blacksburg throughout the year

If you have additional questions about the AOE Alumni Mentoring Program, please email aoe-alumni-mentor-g@vt.edu.