A Guide for Students

Before Engaging

• Reflect on your own journey up until this point!
• Consider what you expect from this interaction. Are you asking for advice? Job leads? Do you want to build a relationship, or just have a single conversation? 
  • Now consider how you can communicate these expectations. Remember that your expectations might differ, which is why it will be important to express your own expectations clearly. Remember that when expectations differ, compromise might be necessary and all of your expectations might not be met. That is ok!
• If you get nervous making conversation, brainstorm some ideas ahead of time! It’s fine to plan ahead, and won’t make your interaction “inauthentic”.  You can always practice with a friend or your College Career Mentor first. They will be able to give you pointers and feedback, if needed.
• We offer more, in-depth tips for approaching the first call in our resource on Tips & Guidance for Meeting with Mentor Volunteers.

While Engaging

• Listen with the intention to learn!
• If you have notes or questions written down, remember to use them. It isn’t unprofessional to use what you’ve created in preparation.
  • Also take notes during your conversation — your mentor will probably say some things that you want to revisit in the future. 
• It’s OK to redirect a conversation, but not to steamroll it. These conversations should be collaborative.
• Try to balance your goals for the interaction with care and compassion. Consider what the other person has on their plate — thank them for taking time to connect with you while balancing other obligations.

After Engaging 

• Communicate!
• Send a thank you note, follow up on any advice or connections provided, and let them know generally how you are doing after your conversation. 
• Remember that we are all in a moment of social upheaval and this includes our alumnae. Their circumstances — personal and professional might change — and you may need to rework your expectations together. 

A Guide for Alumnae

Before Engaging

• Reflect on your own journey up until this point. When you were a student, what were your career goals and concerns? What were some steps you took that helped you? Do you remember any advice or simple support that made a difference? Think through what pieces of your journey and current expertise might be of use to this student.
• Consider what you expect from this interaction. What are you able to offer a student right now? Do you want to build a relationship, or just have a single conversation? 
  • Now consider how you can communicate these expectations. Remember that your expectations might differ, which is why it will be important to express your own expectations and what you can offer clearly. 

While Engaging

• Our students, like all of us, are experiencing grief and loss.  Emotions are still close to the surface for many. They will need a bit of extra patience and empathy as they navigate through this uncertainty. 
• Students might not have immediate answers to your questions. If they are stumped or quiet, encourage them to take some time to reflect on what you are saying. 
• Redirect if needed. The upheaval we are all experiencing spans across multiple areas of our lives. Students may bring up issues that you are not equipped or ready to address, like housing and food insecurity, health issues, family stress, and more. If that happens, you can refer the student back to their College Career mentor who can get them connected with resources to support them.

After Engaging 

• Communicate how and when the student can follow-up with you, if needed. 
• Remember that we are all in a moment of social upheaval. If your circumstances change - personal or professional — and you need to rework your expectations, please let your student know.
• Career Education is here for you! If you need help supporting your student or you need support in your own career journey, let us know.