BACKGROUND

·       One of the strategic priorities of the SOM Alumni Association (SOMAA) Board is to provide assistance to both students and alumni in their job searches.

·       In the first half of 2004, a successful pilot program was conducted to assign alumni mentors to the Class of 2004.  57 students were mentored by 38 alumni and both groups reported very favorable experiences.

·       In 2004, a web-based Mentor selection process was implemented allowing students to select their own mentors; 139 2^nd year students and approximately 200 alumni participated in this program. Based on their feedback, in 2005, this program will be launched earlier in the year and in will be offered to first-year students as well.

·       This program was developed in close consultation with the Yale SOM Alumni Relations and Career Development Offices and has been funded completely by SOMAA dues.

ROLE OF THE SOMAA MENTOR

·       Each mentor will work with a maximum of two second-year students.

·       The primary role of the mentor will be to act as a resource to the second-year student to provide advice and share job searching tips. Students will select their own Mentor based on preferred industry experience and/or location.

·       The primary benefit of this relationship is expected to be in the form of advice from a friendly, supportive person during what can be a stressful process; advice may include how the industry works, answers to “dumb” questions (e.g., about terminology), and guidance on how to approach the student’s job search.

·       There is no expectation that the mentor will be able to directly assist in the student’s job search by providing an introduction to the mentor’s current or former employers or by networking on behalf of the student.

·       The time commitment is expected to be no more than 30 minutes per week to check in by phone, plus any extra help that the mentor may provide on his/her own initiative.

GETTING STARTED

·       Alumni – register on the mentor web site, entering background information (industry, sector, function and location), contact details and the number of students you would like to mentor.

·       Students – register on the site, review the registration information and select your mentor on a first-come, first-served basis.

·       An automatic notification will be sent to both the mentor and student when the selection is complete; after that point the process will go off-line and it will be the responsibility of the student to initiate contact to begin the mentoring process.

·       At the end of the school year both the mentor and student will be asked to complete a brief survey to identify the benefits and lessons learned and determine appropriate follow-up actions.