How to Become an Alumni Mentor

Becoming an alumni mentor is quick and easy. All of your interaction with the student or alum seeking mentoring will exist initially online. If you choose to invite them to your office or meet either on campus or somewhere else to discuss career and other options, you may do so. There are tips and suggestions related to face-to-face meetings at the end of this page. Please read below on how to get started and what happens when you sign-up to be a mentor.

Am I good fit to be an Alumni Mentor?

Ideally, UNO Alumni Mentors are going to meet some basic criteria:

1. Have at least one degree from the University of New Orleans
2. Been employed in the same industry or similar industries for at least 5 years
3. Have a positive outlook on their industry or profession as a whole
4. Willing to answer career related questions in a timely manner through email
5. Can provide insight into the pros and cons of their industry to assist in making career decisions for the mentee.

If you meet the 5 qualifications above, then more than likely you will be a good Alumni Mentor.

How does this work?

The program is administered through the UNO Counseling and Career Center Opportunities Database (or ODB for short). You will complete a registration form in the Opportunities Database which will ask you about your professional and academic history.

During the registration process you will also be able to identify the number of times you can be contacted through the Opportunities Database per month by students and recent alums who are seeking advice and assistance.

The "number of contacts" refers to the number of times you will receive a message through the Opportunities Database from a mentee. For example, if you set your number to 5, then you will only be available for 5 individual messages per month from students through the system. Once you have been contacted 5 times, your name will not appear in any searches for the rest of that month. Of course, if you share your email address with a mentee, then they can contact you outside of the Opportunities Database.

OK, I am ready to be a Mentor, now what?

1. REGISTER ONLINE. Complete the online PACnet  Alumni Mentor Form. You may choose which of your contact information can be viewed on our secure web site (including home or work addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and/or email address). You will be asked to provide a description of your career history and current job responsibilities, as well as specific information on the type of assistance you are willing to provide. This information is entered into a searchable Mentor database in the Opportunities Database, our password-protected online career services program.

2. CHECK YOUR PROFILE. Soon after registering, you will receive a confirmation email from an Office of Career Development staff member, which will include login instructions to access your mentor record online. This will allow you to view and edit your information on the web at any time.

3. RESPOND TO EMAILS OR CALLS. UNO students and alumni who are seeking mentor assistance will browse the Mentor database, and if they think you are a good match for their needs, they will initiate contact with you (usually via email). Together, you will set goals for the mentor/mentee relationship, and decide when and how to meet (or speak by phone).

As a mentor volunteer, you set the parameters for your involvement in the program. It might be as simple as a resume critique session, telling the student about your industry, or offering career advice via email. Or, perhaps you're willing to offer a tour of your organization or even a day of shadowing.

4. KEEP IN TOUCH. After completion of the mentoring contact, you are asked to complete a Mentor Volunteer Evaluation Form so that we can monitor participation in the program and address any concerns you may have.

We hope you decide to join the UNO Alumni who are part of this program. Click here to sign up. For additional information, please contact the UNO Counseling and Career Center at (504) 280-6225.

I am ready to be a Mentor.
Sign me UP!!!!