Mentor@SU > Search
for Mentors
Search for Mentors
Program Overview
Networking is the single most effective method of gathering career-related
information and Mentor @ SU was developed with this idea in mind.
Syracuse University alumni mentors volunteer to answer your career-related
questions in an effort to assist you through the career exploration
and job search process.
Mentor @ SU is not a job placement service, but rather an opportunity
for you to gather information regarding employment trends, job
functions, salary expectations, effective job/internship searches,
SU alumni career paths, and to gain professional contacts within
specific industries.
Mentors help students:
* Explore career paths
* Define career goals
* Track job market trends
* Understand growth potentials within industries
* Become familiar with regional information
Online Access
In order to obtain mentor names and contact information, you
must first speak with a representative from the Center for Career
Services for an orientation to the Mentor @ SU resource. You may
schedule a Mentor @ SU orientation appointment at 315-443-3616.
(Alumni may schedule phone appointments.)
Tips for Maximizing Contacts with Mentors
To establish a mentoring relationship, follow
the steps below:
1. Watch a video on networking. Click this link to view a 60-minute program on networking with a special emphasis on the Mentor@SU program which was produced as part of a career development series for the iSchool in the Spring of 2008.
2. Take time to prepare for your conversation with a mentor by
reading about the mentor’s career field and visiting the
mentor’s employer's website, if possible. Research career fields by using our collection of online resources.
3. Identify why you are interested in learning more about the
mentor’s career field or employer by preparing a list of
five to ten questions to ask prior to contacting the mentor. Adapt the questions offered in our guide to informational interviewing as a start.
4. Send the mentor an email stating how you received his/her name,
why you would like to speak with him/her, and that you would like
to arrange a date and time for a brief informational interview.
(See Email sample below.) If possible, arrange a phone appointment
or face-to-face meeting, it is more personable, and mentors are
likely to provide more information! Most mentors prefer you attach
a resume, if you have one available.
5. Follow-up on leads, contacts or other suggestions mentors offer
and always send a thank you note.
If you have any questions about Mentor @ SU, informational interviews
and/or networking etiquette, please contact us in the Center for
Career Services at 315-443-3616 for assistance.
SAMPLE EMAIL:
E-mail Subject Line: Mentor @ SU
Dear Ms. Smith,
I was referred to you through Syracuse University’s
Mentor @ SU program. I am a freshman in the Whitman School of
Management and my major is Marketing Management. Currently, my
career interests include marketing strategies, advertising design
concepts and public relations within a large corporate structure.
I would like to gain some practical career insight into each of
these areas in order to further plan my academic coursework here
at Syracuse University. Based on your online mentor profile, I
believe you could provide me with excellent insight into my areas
of interest.
I am writing to schedule a convenient time to
telephone you. Would this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. be convenient
for you?
I have attached a copy of my resume, and I look
forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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