How do I learn more specifics about the program?
Attend the Student Orientation just prior to the Mentor Fair. The Student Orientation will be recorded and provided afterwards if you cannot attend.
Who can participate in the Mentor Program?
The program is open to graduate students and undergraduate seniors in the Albers School of Business and Economics.
What is the Mentor Fair like?
Check out this brief video to learn more about the event.
How should I dress for the Mentor Fair?
The dress is business casual.
Will refreshments be provided at the Mentor Fair?
Heavy appetizers and beverages will be served.
Should I bring resumes and/or cover letters to the Mentor Fair?
You do not need to bring resumes or cover letters to the Mentor Fair. The evening is designed for you to establish initial relationships and determine which mentors are best suited to your career interests and will aid in your professional development.
How should I prepare for the Mentor Fair?
For more information about the mentors, check out the Mentor List.
If you are not familiar with a company, research the company online. Come prepared with questions for each mentor with whom you intend to speak to help you determine which ones you want to put on your Mentor Selection Form. Not all the mentors will be able to attend the Mentor Fair so be sure to read their profile information online before turning in your Mentor Selection Form.
Do I need to RSVP for the Mentor Fair?
No, you can just show up.
What is the agenda for the Mentor Fair?
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Student Orientation (an overview of the logistics and expectations of the program)
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Informal reception with mentors, faculty and staff
6:30 - 6:45 p.m. - Brief welcome presentation
6:45 - 8:00 p.m. - Networking/mingling with Mentors in classrooms
8:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Mentor Fair concludes
Where will the networking with mentors at the Mentor Fair be held and how long will it last?
Mentors will be assigned to specific classrooms in the Pigott Building during the Mentor Fair. You will be given a list of room assignments. You can talk with each mentor that you are interested in. We recommend 10-15 minutes max per mentor.
Is the Mentor Fair intimidating?
Every year we hear from students how much fun they had at the Mentor Fair. It's a great chance to meet new people and expand your network. This is also a great time for you to practice interacting with business executives in a non-pressure environment. Encourage a business student friend to attend with you if that would aid in your comfort level.
Will the mentors be interviewing students at the Mentor Fair?
The mentors are solely at the Fair to meet students and help students learn more about them. They will be available to answer your questions and tell you about their background.
What questions should I ask the mentors at the Mentor Fair?
*Experience or work history
*Current role or responsibilities
*Educational background
*How have you navigated your career?
*What is your mentoring style?
*Why did you choose to join this program?
*What topics or activities would you like to discuss or do as a mentor?
If a mentor does not attend the Mentor Fair, does it mean they're not participating in the program?
Not every mentor is able to attend the Mentor Fair. Make sure to read the profiles of all the mentors in the program before turning in your Mentor Selection form. All the mentors listed on the website as of the Mentor Fair date are definitely participating in the program for the year.
How do I select a mentor and join the program?
Complete the Mentor Selection Form identifying up to 6 mentors with whom you would be interested in working. You will receive a mentor assignment by the end of October. In general, the ratio of students to mentor is 2:1 or 3:1.
Does the mentor choose me as a mentee?
Students have the ability to put their top 6 preferences of mentors on their Mentor Selection form and the Albers Career Center staff goes through an extensive process to match students and mentors. It is not up to the mentor who becomes their mentees.
If I cannot attend the Mentor Fair, can I still participate in the mentor program?
Absolutely. Make sure that you complete the Mentor Selection Form for Sr. Undergrads or the Mentor Selection Form for Grad Students (a link to these forms will be on the main Mentor Program webpage by late September) by the Friday after the Mentor Fair. There will also be a Make-Up Student Orientation the week after the Fair. The Student Orientation will also be recorded and provided on the website.
What if there aren't any mentors from a company or industry in which I'm interested?
You never know who your mentor might know and how they might be able to help you network. Mentors will also be able to help you with professional development such as resumes, transitioning to a new industry, the job search process, business case studies, etc. Be open minded when thinking about how working with a mentor might be beneficial to you.
When will I be notified of my mentor group assignment?
Mentor group assignments will be emailed to you by late October.
Once I have received my mentor group assignment, what should I do next?
The first thing is to contact your group and select a group leader. Discuss when you can meet and what things you would like to discuss with your mentor. The group leader should then contact the mentor and arrange the first meeting. You will want to set up your initial meeting in late October or early November. At that time, bring a completed Student Profile sheet for your mentor that includes work history, education, interests and ambitions. Beyond that meeting, it is up to the mentor and the group to decide what they would like to accomplish, how often and when they would like to meet, and activities in which they would like to engage.
What types of activities or discussions can I have with my mentor?
Check out the Mentoring Activities & Discussion Topics document for ideas on what to do with your mentor throughout the year.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Albers Career Center at 206.296.5687 or acc@seattleu.edu.