UNIVERSITY OF UTAH CAREER SERVICES
MENTOR PROGRAM
BECOME A MENTOR
We would like to invite you to participate in University of Utah Career Services’ Mentor Program. This program provides students and alumni with a way to contact individuals working in their chosen field. The insight of a working professional can be invaluable to students and alumni as they work to find employment in that same field. This is not a major time commitment; it is merely a willingness to speak to students and alumni about questions they may have regarding your field and how you found your position.
Our online system, UCareerLink, facilitates mentor contacts in any way that is convenient for you, e-mail, phone, or simply providing text on our mentor page. This system also allows you to select whether or not you want students to contact you directly, how many contacts students can make with you each month, etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of a Mentor?
What are the advantages of becoming a Mentor do?
How much time should I expect to spend on the program?
How often can I expect to be contacted by students?
What information can I share with students through the program?
What is the purpose of a Mentor?
A Mentor is a University of Utah alumna or alumnus or other professional who is interested in networking with current University of Utah 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 possible careers and 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.
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 visible to students. 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.
I don't work in Human Resources, and I'm not a recruiter. Will U. of U. 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.
What information can I share with students through the program?
In your profile, you will have the opportunity to share information about your job description, any previous relevant employment, any career related advice, your expertise, and any hobbies/interests. If you are looking for students to fill Internship or employment positions, please take a look at our POST A JOB website.
How do I become a Mentor?
To become a Mentor, simply go to https://www.myinterfase.com/utah/mentor/. If you need any assistance registering, please call us at (801) 581-6186.
Thank you for your willingness to assist our students!