The SIS Career Mentoring Program is offered through the SIS Office of Career Development and connects students with alumni mentors for one academic year. Our volunteer mentors help students gain valuable career skills, learn how to create networks that support their goals, and move towards their next professional steps. This program is open to SIS sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Students and mentors do not need to be based in the DC area to participate. New applications are available eachÌýAugust/September to begin the program in October.
Student applications for 2024-2025 will be available starting August 19th and areÌýopen until September 6th at 5pm ET.
To be successful in the program, students and mentors should be prepared to engage with and learn career readiness competencies and skills, work towards shared goals and commitments together, and regularly participate inÌýSIS Career Mentoring Program events and activities.
Contact the SIS Career Team with questions. Click here to meet this year's mentors.
MentorshipÌýis a valuable tool to achieve career goals,Ìýbecome a better leader in your field, and simply enjoy your work more. This program offers the opportunity to gain a willing and supportive mentor in international affairsÌýwho can help you develop skills, navigate career opportunities effectively, and expand your professional network.Ìý
By the end ofÌýthe academic year, if you commit to thisÌýprogram, youÌýshould expect to :
In order to be successful in the program, students should be prepared to:
Applications are accepted starting on August 19th until September 6th at 5pm ET. Late or partially completed applications will not be considered.
If you are successfully paired with a mentor, you will be notifiedÌýon or before September 20th. Please do not reach out before that date to inquire about your mentor as we are unable to respond to every inquiry that comes in.
Outside of academic or other professional commitments, your attendance at the events throughout the year is expected to participate in this program. This includesÌýrequired Mentee Orientation for all studentsÌýand the first in-person event for students participating in-person this year will be the Mentoring Meet and Greet, where you will meet your mentor for the first time.Ìý
Please mark your calendar for the following dates:Ìý
All students accepted to the mentoring program are required to attend ONE of the Mentee Orientations before beginning their program.
When filling out the application, you will need:
Please fill out Ìýto apply. If you need support or require accommodations to successfully apply, please contact the SIS Career Team (SIScareer@american.edu)Ìýwith your question or request.
Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear understanding of their own professional development goals and their expectations for a career mentor.
Please be thoughtful with your response. It will be reviewed by the SIS Career Team and any mentors you ask to be matched with.
Please note, we match students with mentors based on shared interests, expectations, and goals. Unfortunately, spots are limited, and while we try to give as many students as possible the chance to participate, being matched with a mentor is not guaranteed.
Mentorship is a crucial component to a well rounded education and meaningful career,Ìýand mentors are often some of the most influencial people in our lives. Think back to a mentor that you had (or still have!) and how their support has influenced your career and life. Joining the SIS Career Mentoring Program will allow you to not only give back to the SIS community, but to help build the foundations of a fellow Eagle to start off their career with a strong network of support and skills that will make them valuable contributors in their field.ÌýÌýÌýÌý
Mentors will be given guidance at the outset of the program to help them plan and execute an effective mentoring experience withÌýtheir mentee. Mentors will be providedÌýwith all of SIS’s online career resources,Ìýsuggested activities, and conversation starters for each month of the program, that work towards helping your student mentee achieve proficiency in important career readiness competenciesÌý-including critical thinking, leadership, and communication- as well as personal professional goals that they will set at the beginning of the program.ÌýNaturally, mentors are also encouraged to bring their own insights and offer any of their own suggested activities to help their student mentees grow professionally throughout the program.
With your support, your student mentee will have:
Met at least one new relevant professional in yourÌýnetwork
Have developed high quality personal career materials, including base resume and cover letterÌý
Mentors must be 51²è¹Ý alumni. Current SIS graduate students who are interested in mentoring undergraduate students may also be cosidered on a case-by-case basis.
Alumni mentors are expected to offer five hours of mentorship each month for the entire academic school year (September - May).
Please to express interest in becoming an SIS Career Mentor this year.
We will be accepting new applications until August 9th.
Please contactÌýClaudia CosciaÌýif you have any questions.
The SIS Career Mentoring Meet and Greet has been moved to Friday, October 4th, 2024.ÌýMentees and mentors who are participating in-person will meet each other for the first time and you can connect with your mentoring cohort. Please mark your calendar when you apply!