This program connects English department undergraduate students with alumni in  two different ways:

Informational Interviewing

Students who can use our Alumni Mentoring Directory to identify alumni whom they can ask for an informational interview, by telephone or Skype (or in person if circumstances permit), for insight into potential career paths and strategies for success.   

Professional Mentoring

Students who would like additional mentoring from an alumna or alumnus whom they have informationally interviewed can ask them to take part in our formal Professional Mentoring Program. Both the alumna/us (the mentor) and the student (the mentee) sign an agreement that commits them to conversing each month on Skype for six months, completing a resume review, and completing a post-mentorship reflection at the end of the six-month period.

 

Expectations of Alumni:

• Be prepared to serve as a resource for students who contact you.
• Offer advice on matters of professional development, college success, and careers.
• Follow through on commitments you make by signing a mentoring agreement.
• Listen to the needs and expectations of students reaching out to you.
• Communicate in a timely fashion.
• Follow up on any commitments you make to students.
• Alert Kirstin Wilcox (kwilcox@illinois.edu) to any problems that arise.

 

Expectations of Students:

• Take responsibility for  initiating contact with alumni mentors.
• Be receptive to suggestions and feedback.
• Communicate your goals and the help you seek in achieving them.
• Follow through on commitments you make by signing a mentoring agreement.
• Realize that having experienced professionals to learn from is a privilege.
• Conduct yourself professionally
• Seek advice and tips, but do not ask for jobs or internships.
• Alert Kirstin Wilcox (kwilcox@illinois.edu) to any problems that arise.

 

Have questions?  Email Kirstin Wilcox, Director of Internships (kwilcox@illinois.edu).