The Power of Mentorship: Why it Matters at Auburn

Mentorship is a powerful tool for growth, connection, and success. Whether you're exploring career options, curious about what work looks like in a specific industry, or just looking for advice from someone who’s been in your shoes, a mentor can help you navigate college with more confidence and direction. Mentors can provide guidance on the unique questions you may have at each step of your academic journey like...

First Year

  • What engineering discipline is right for me?
  • How can I get involved in ways that are relevant to my school work?
  • How do I manage and prioritize all my class work?

Second Year

  • What do different engineering industries realistically look like?
  • Should I explore an internship, a co-op, or research?
  • How can I make myself stand out during the job search and secure a position?

Third Year

  • Who are the best people to connect with to establish professional relationships?
  • What goals should I set to prepare myself for the full-time search?
  • What types of roles are available and best fit my qualifications?

Fourth Year

  • How do I navigate the full-time search and secure process?
  • Should I go to grad school?
  • What should I know to navigate the transition from college to work?

Pathways to Mentorship

ASK AN ALUMNI

A short-term, low-commitment mentorship opportunity

What to Expect

  • A short, 15–30 minute conversation with an industry professional that may grow into a lasting mentorship if you are interested and there's a mutual fit
  • An opportunity to learn about potential career paths, day-to-day job roles, industry relevant skills, and build your professional network

How it Works

  • Complete your profile to share what you’re looking for in a mentorship
  • Browse mentors and send requests to those you'd like to connect with
  • After your conversation, feel free to ask if they’re open to an ongoing mentorship

A long-term, traditional mentorship experience

What to Expect

  • Monthly meetings with an industry professional over a 6+ month commitment
  • An opportunity to gain insights into the job search, career exploration, graduate school, technical growth, and navigating the engineering field as a woman

How it Works

  • Complete your profile to share what you’re looking for in a mentorship
  • Browse mentors and send requests to those you'd like to connect with
  • Build your relationship through regular monthly meetings
Get Started with Ginn Connections

Independently Finding and Connecting with a Mentor

Check out the CDCR’s Networking and Professional Communication Resources to find:

  • A step-by-step guide on initiating, establishing, and developing a mentorship
  • Resources to finding and connecting with potential mentors

Looking for one-on-one help?

Connecting with a mentor

  1. Be proactive | Be the first one to reach out and request time with your mentor. They are eager to help, but you must be the one to ask!
  2. Clarify and communicate your goals | Understand what you want from the mentoring relationship and communicate your goals and aspirations to your mentor. Balance a personal and professional relationship with your mentor.
  3. Be respectful of time | Set aside time for the mentoring process and keep all scheduled appointments with your mentor.
  4. Be intentional and come prepared | Put the time with your mentor to its best use. Come to your meetings with planned topics for discussion. Check out the CDCR’s Career Conversation’s Page to learn more about how to prepare for a conversation with an industry professional.
  5. Communication promptly | Respond in a timely manner to your mentor's feedback. Respond to emails from your mentor within two days of receipt.
  6. Be Honest | Be open and honest with your mentor about your challenges and weaknesses.
  7. Address issues directly | If something concerning the mentor needs to be discussed with others, it should first be discussed within the mentoring relationship.