NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development Mentor Network

The Wasserman Center's Mentor Network helps NYU students explore careers by linking them with alumni and other professionals in a variety of fields who generously contribute their time and expertise. The program allows students an inside look at career options through informational interviewing, networking, and observation. Mentors gain the satisfaction of helping students make sound career decisions.

SOME WAYS OF MENTORING

In-person Informational Interview

  • Students meet with a mentor to discuss his/her occupation, roles, job functions, and obtain career advice and strategies.

Day on the Job/Shadowing

  • Students spend a day or a few hours observing the mentor's daily work routine, gaining a real work setting perspective on a potential career.

Phone Contact

  • Students may call a mentor for general career-related information.

HOW TO GET STARTED

  • Fill out a registration form at https://nyu-csm.symplicity.com/mentors * If you already have an NYU CareerNet account, email career.mentornetwork@nyu.edu
  • List your current employer as the organization (if you are in graduate school or self employed, list your school or "self employed" instead)
  • Complete the mentoring portion with preferences with keyword-rich information. This will help students to connect with the most relevant mentors based on their interests.
  • Let the mentoring begin! You will receive an email from career.mentornetwork@nyu.edu to the email address you provided when a student requests you as a mentor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What sort of time commitment is involved with the Mentor Program?

The program is adaptable to the needs of individual participants. The extent of time contributed by mentors is dependent on their availability and chosen level of participation. As a mentor, you are able to select the number of students you wish to mentor, and determine the level of interaction you have with them. You can meet or speak to your mentee once, or continue to foster a professional relationship over time.

How are students matched to Mentors?

Mentors are able to self-select the information they wish to share with students through the Mentor Program. Students' then conduct a search through the Mentor Network using their NYU CareerNet accounts. Students decide whom to contact based on their professional and academic interests.

What are the responsibilities of a Mentor?

A mentor gives students an "inside look at career options and coaches them on the skills that will improve their success. Mentors encourage students to network with other professionals, educate students on the daily work involved in their careers, and talk about different options in the field. They may also review students' resumes and give feedback.

What are some ways to effectively mentor a student?

There are a variety of ways to effectively mentor our students. For example, mentors can make themselves available for one or more of the following options:

  • Day on the Job/Shadowing—Students spend a day or a few hours observing the mentor's daily work routine, gaining a "real work setting" perspective on a potential career
  • In-person Informational Interview —Students meet with a mentor to discuss his/her occupation, roles, job functions, and obtain career advice and strategies
  • Phone Contact —Students may call a mentor for general career-related information
  • Email—General industry/career inquiries can be sent to you from the student
  • Skype—Utilize video chat resources in order to communicate with students

What are the responsibilities of a student?

Students must partake in a brief career counseling appointment in order to set expectations for the Mentor Program, and to guide them on how to conduct themselves with professionalism. Once students gain access to the Mentor Program, they are responsible for initiating contact with their mentor.

Does the mentor program lead to a job or an internship?

The Mentor Program involves no promise of future employment; this program is designed to promote professional networking and allow the students insight into the career/industry.