Through the Mentor Match program, alumni (mentors) can provide guidance and support to students (mentees) by interacting with them, exchanging ideas, and sharing their experiences and knowledge of career paths.
Mentors may be contacted by current students to serve as a one-time resource for topics such as exploring majors, resume reviews and interview questions or to provide long-term career and professional advice/activities. Mentors serve as role models and leaders as they help students reach their career goals.
For additional information email Jennifer Rhoades, jlrhoades@usi.edu.
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USI mentors play an important role in helping students gain confidence, explore career paths and develop valuable professional skills.
Hear directly from USI students as they share how alumni mentors provide guidance, encouragement and real-world insights.
It was good to be reminded of what it was like to be that 20 year old graduate and that career progression isn't linear. It's not exactly like I'd forgotten what my own career pathing looked like, but it was nice to reflect back on it and the ups and downs and it was fun to think about how different their opinions of me might have been vs the different jobs I had in my career. Analyst -> Manager of Analytics -> Sr. Manager -> Director -> unemployed/laid-off -> VP. It was good for perspective. 2) I felt like it was useful, for me at least, to evaluate the perspective of AI from the position of a soon-to-be college grad. It's impactful, but if you frame it right, there's an optimism there. One of the things I've seen is that companies aren't necessarily not hiring because of AI (at least the ones I work with) but they are changing who they hire (in favor of those with AI skills).
I recently joined USI’s Mentor Match program because I wanted to be a resource for students in a way I did not have as an undergraduate. The program makes it easy to connect with students and share real world career insight through conversations, resume feedback, or ongoing mentorship. My first experience was incredibly rewarding as I connected with a student nearing graduation and provided guidance on his resume and job search strategy. That conversation led to real opportunities within my own organization, showing how impactful even a single connection can be. I would strongly encourage fellow alumni to get involved, as it is a simple way to give back and make a lasting impact on a student’s career journey.
The most rewarding part of serving as a mentor through USI Mentor Match is watching the advice and guidance I've given have a positive impact on kids who were in my shoes not that long ago. Opening LinkedIn and seeing that one of your mentees landed a new position is a truly incredible feeling! Knowing you get to have a positive impact on the future of people who are looking to better themselves and find their place in the professional world is extremely rewarding.
USI's Mentor Match program has allowed me to give back to my alma mater in ways I didn't know were possible. Knowing that I can offer insight and feedback to students truly fills me with joy. It's a very rewarding experience to see the students I've mentored take on new internships and jobs, too. I couldn't recommend the program more to current students and alumni alike!
I wanted to meet new people and have someone to turn to in case I wasn't sure what to do. Through Mentor Match, I improved my communication skills and learned more about the options I have for my career path.
I signed up for Mentor Match my senior year because I wanted to speak with people who had experience and could help me navigate the job market. I got to ask questions about navigating job applications as a senior/recent graduate, hear tips on career growth and gain LinkedIn & networking advice. A connection with a Mentor lasts even after the semester's "mentorship." Growth doesn't just stop after graduation.
Signing up to become a mentee for Mentor Match was one of the best decisions I've made so far throughout my sophomore year. Being able to connect with someone who works in the same or similar field I want to go into has helped me visualize my future and determine the path I want to go on. I have trust in the fact that my mentor will be open to conversation, have good advice to offer me, and answers to my questions. I know that if my mentor doesn't have the answer for me, then I'll be put in contact with someone who does. Now I'll always have someone in my corner cheering me on long after I graduate.