Photo of stairsPhoto of peoplePhoto of building
Carnegie Mellon Heinz School Policy Management Information Technology
Photo of peoplePhoto of building

Mentor Program Guidelines 

Mentor Guidelines

The Mentorship Program offers individual students a unique opportunity to develop a relationship with an alumnus. Alumni who serve as mentors share their experiences, perspectives and wisdom regarding career choices, the program and personal goals. The Mentorship Program is flexible. Some mentors and mentees meet or talk on a regular basis, whereas others communicate as needed. To begin the process, the mentee emails or sends the mentor a letter of introduction. Within two weeks of receiving a mentor, a mentee should send out a copy of his/her resume to the mentor. To promote a mutually rewarding experience, the mentees are also given these guidelines:

  • Students can depend on mentors to keep them apprised of changes and advances in their field. Mentors can also show students how the curriculum can benefit their career and can recommend elective courses.
  • Mentors can help mentees develop resumes or select a project or campus club that may further their careers.
  • Mentors can help students accomplish career goals, as well as personal goals. They give advice on resume-enhancing activities or recommend ways to balance career and family.
  • Students should talk to their mentors about what they hope to gain from the experience. They should also learn about their mentors' experiences and how they acquired their current positions.
  • Relationships are not one-sided. Students are encouraged to enter the process with thoughts about how they can help mentors give them the best advice.
  • Mentees need to know themselves. Feedback helps mentees identify strengths and weaknesses, which helps the mentor and mentee address areas that need improvement.
  • Mentors encourage mentees to develop to their fullest potential and to create their own vision for the future. A mentor is a guide, a listener, a coach and a friend.

One final note: Although mentors are professionals who can help students network in the corporate world, students should NOT expect mentors to find them jobs at their firms. It is inappropriate for students to ask for job placement assistance from mentors.

Mentee Guidelines

The Mentorship Program provides individual students with a unique opportunity to develop a relationship with an alumnus. Alumni mentors have made a commitment of time, wisdom and expertise. The Mentorship Program is flexible. Some mentors and mentees meet or talk on a regular basis, whereas others communicate as needed. Once you have been assigned a mentor, you should initiate the relationship by contacting your mentor within two weeks. Within two weeks of receiving a mentor, you should also send out a copy of your resume to the mentor. The following guidelines will help ensure that the relationship is rewarding for both you and your mentor:

  • The mentoring relationship provides students with insight about career options. A mentor can help you understand how to become a business leader. By passing on hard-earned knowledge, mentors shape the next wave of industry leaders.
  • Mentors can tell you about changes and advances in their field. They can also show you how the curriculum can benefit your future career and recommend elective courses.
  • Your mentor can help you develop your resume or select a project or campus club that may further your career.
  • Mentors can help you accomplish career goals, as well as personal goals. They can advise you on resume-enhancing activities or recommend ways to balance career and family.
  • Students should talk to their mentors about what they hope to gain from the experience. They should also learn about mentors' experiences and how they acquired their current positions.
  • These relationships are not one-sided. Enter the process with thoughts about how you can help your mentor give you the best advice.
  • Know yourself. Use feedback to identify your strengths and weaknesses, which will help both you and your mentor create action plans to address areas that need improvement.
  • A mentor can help you create your own vision for the future and encourage you to develop to your fullest potential. A mentor is a guide, a listener, a coach, and a friend.

One final note: Although your mentor is a professional who can help you network in the corporate world, DO NOT expect your mentor to find you a job at his or her firm. It is inappropriate to ask your mentor for a job.