Purpose of the Program

The purpose of the PACnet Alumni Mentoring Program is to bring UNO students and recent alumni together with experienced professionals who are willing to help with the transition from college to the workplace. Our mentor volunteers answer students' questions about a variety of career related topics, including:

Mentors play a significant role in the career education of UNO students, who are learning to make good decisions, as well as conduct themselves professionally. They are also an invaluable resource for alumni seeking a career change or relocating to a new city.

Who Is Eligible

Anyone with an interest in helping UNO students and graduates is eligible to become a mentor, regardless of career area, academic background, or geographic location. Most of our mentors are UNO alumni, but we also have a number of UNO faculty, staff, parents, employers, and members of the community participating in the program.

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.