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SIS Mentoring Program Academic Year 2022-2023

The SIS 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 explore post-graduation pathways, learn how to create networks that support their goals, and move towards their next professional steps. This program is open to SIS juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Students and mentors do not need to be based in the DC area to participate. New applications are available each August to begin the program in September.

To participate, students and mentors should be prepared to:

  • Agree to shared expectations and develop goals for the program.
  • Connect regularly and keep all commitments that are made.
  • Engage in conversation and share feedback and advice.
  • Track progress made throughout the year and review at the end of the program.
  • Attend mentorship program events throughout the year

Contact Claudia Coscia with questions.

Expectations

Students are expected to dedicate approximately 5 hours per month to communicating with your mentor and formulating your career mentorship goals. Students who are accepted to the program should demonstrate commitment to prompt and professional communication, thoughtful engagement with professional development goals, and initiative to create a meaningful professional relationship with your mentor.

Students should be prepared to:

  • Identify your needs and expectations and discuss them with your mentor.
  • Understand your mentor’s expectations of you.
  • Take initiative in the mentoring relationship, and be responsible for your own career development.
  • Meet/interact regularly with your mentor, and keep any commitments that are made.
  • Ask questions and participate in conversations.
  • Be open to receiving constructive feedback and advice.
  • Keep your mentor informed of your progress throughout the year.
  • Accept and value one another’s differences.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and positive attitude in all interactions.

Eligibility

  • SIS juniors or seniors (majors only) with a 3.0 GPA or higher may apply
  • SIS Master's students in good academic standing may apply

Application

The last day to apply is September 16, 2022. Late or partially completed applications will not be considered.

  1. Online application form
  2. Up-to-date LinkedIn profile
  3. Three mentor preferences 
  4. Personal statement (400-500 words)
    • Prompt 1: In 250 words, describe the three (3) most important characteristics of your ideal mentor and why those traits are important to you. 
    • Prompt 2: In 250 words, describe your career goals for the next five (5) years.

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 Assistant Director of Career Outreach and Programming 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.

Expectations

Alumni mentors are expected to offer one to five (1-5) hours of mentorship each month for the entire academic school year (September - May). However, the scheduling is flexible. We encourage students and mentors to work together to build a program and relationship that works best for their professional lives.

Mentors are also expected to:

• Listen to students’ needs and expectations.
 • Help students understand your expectations of them.
 • Help students develop realistic and obtainable goals for the program.
 • Meet and interact regularly with your mentee and keep any commitments that are made.
 • Encourage questions and conversation.
 • Provide constructive feedback and advice.
 • Discuss your mentee’s progress throughout the year.
 • Accept and value one another’s differences.

Eligibility

Mentors must be American University alumni who recieved their undergraduate degree with a major in SIS and/or a graduate degree from SIS.

Application

Please contact Claudia Coscia if you are interested in perticipating as an alumni mentor.

Meet the 22-23 Mentors

Learn more about their career paths, interests, and identities. Use this information to think about who you may like to be paired with in the program. 

Meet the Mentors