Alumni Network Mentoring Program
The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.
You don’t have to be on campus to help fellow Rams! All our graduates are invited to be a part of the School of Social Work’s Alumni Network Mentoring Program, which brings together recent graduates and alumni in purposeful and mutually rewarding relationships. Graduates interested in becoming a mentor or mentee are asked to complete an online questionnaire, which will enable us to match mentoring pairs.
How it Works
Mentors (alumni with 3+ years of post-graduation experience) help recent graduates (alumni within three years of graduation) navigate the transition into practice. Mentors are matched with a mentee who fits shared practice interests as closely as possible. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to develop a working relationship through means that work best, with a minimum expectation of one meeting per month. Mentors and mentees are paired for six months, with an option to renew the mentorship for an additional six months (July-December or January-June).
You might make a good mentor if:
- You want to make a difference in a recent graduate’s life
- You’re in a position to open doors via networking for the next generation of social workers
- You would like to strengthen ties to Colorado State University and the School of Social Work
- You’re willing to bring an open mind, respect, honesty, and clear expectations to the experience
You might make a good mentee if:
- You’re willing to take the initiative to communicate with your mentor on a regular basis
- You know your own goals and feel ready to further your career opportunities
- You understand the basics of professionalism are to dress appropriately and be courteous
- You’re willing to bring an open mind, respect, honesty, and clear expectations to the experience
FAQ
What is the time commitment?
The mentoring pair is officially committed to a six-month mentoring relationship. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to have contact a minimum of one time per month (any form of communication is allowed) but may have more contact if agreed upon by the pair.
What is required to become a mentor?
Generally, mentors must be graduates from the Colorado State University School of Social Work with at least three years post-graduation experience. Individual consideration will be made for recent graduates who have worked in the social work field previously.
What is required to become a mentee?
Mentees must be recent BSW or MSW graduates (within three years post-graduation) of the Colorado State University School of Social Work.
Can the relationship last longer than committed time?
The mentoring pair may request to have an official mentor/mentee relationship for an additional six months under the same requirements and expectations of the mentoring program. If desired, after the end of an official mentor relationship, the mentor/mentee pair may continue to have contact as they prefer.
How are mentors and mentees paired?
Mentors and mentees each complete an application which are reviewed for similar interests and geographical location (when possible).
What if I live far from CSU?
Mentors and mentees can be paired with someone in a different location as long as both individuals are willing to have contact electronically (e.g. FaceTime, phone, and email).
Guidelines and Activities
Guidelines
- We ask that mentors and mentees have contact as soon as possible after being paired.
- We ask that mentors and mentees use the first meeting to take the time to set goals and
expectations for the relationship. - Mentoring relationships are not meant as a job searching tool. It can be used for recent
graduates to connect with alumni, get support, and network, but should not be used as a job searching technique. - Mentoring relationships are not to be used for clinical supervision. If a mentee needs clinical supervision, they should be receiving this through other avenues meant to provide this service.
- The role of the mentor is multifaceted. We hope that you are able to give the social work
student a realistic view of the profession. Mentors and mentees will be provided with a list of appropriate types of topics for discussion. - You are encouraged to meet your mentee informally for coffee or a meal at your office, or
anywhere else that is mutually convenient. (Please keep in mind that the School of Social Work does not have funds available to reimburse mentors or mentees for mileage, meals, or other costs.) - Mentors are encouraged to inform students of conferences, workshops, public meetings and any special social work-related event that a mentee may attend. In setting up meetings, feel free to utilize all types of communication methods.
- It is hoped that you will be able to assist your mentee in developing strategic alliances within the social work community and be able to provide him or her with introductions to other professionals who may act as a resource for them as recent graduates.
- While the mentee may ask for advice or guidance as to the locations and types of practice, it is inappropriate for the mentee to attempt to utilize the mentoring program or relationship as a recruiting device or job placement program.
- Due to the nature of the relationship, discussions between you and your assigned mentee are confidential.
Suggested Activities
- Practice interviews
- Meet in person for networking or volunteer activities
- Schedule a job shadow if possible
- Attend a CSU event together
- Role play challenging professional situations
- Share articles/ or read the same book to discuss
- Networking connections when available
- Providing/ seeking guidance resume, cover letter, graduate school applications, etc.
- Practicing self-care together
Suggested Discussion Topics
- Career exploration
- Networking
- Professional dress
- Workplace and professional etiquette
- Evaluating job offers
- Time management
- Resume and cover letter development
- Interview practice
- Goal setting
- Online image management and review, including social media and LinkedIn
- Professional organization involvement
- Self-care, work processing, normalizing work struggles, processing challenging circumstances at work, etc.
- Help with understanding licensing