The CCAPS Mentor Program will not be offered in Fall 2025 as we explore new options for offering the program. We will share updates later in the academic year.
Each year, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) Mentor Program matches CCAPS undergraduate and graduate students with alumni and industry professionals who share professional goals and interests.
During the mentorship period, students (mentees) grow their professional skills and networks, and strengthen the opportunities and connections between their academic studies and future careers. In turn, mentors revel in sharing career exploration and development, and providing constructive guidance and support to the next generation of leaders in a myriad of fields.
Highly flexible, this hybrid program allows for in-person and virtual options, and no in-person meetings are expected or required.
How it Works
Most mentoring relationships will consist of one mentor and one mentee. During the application process, mentors and mentees indicate their commitment to initiating, developing, and maintaining this relationship. Individuals are also asked to share where they are based geographically (Twin Cities Metro or elsewhere), and their preference for in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings.
Based on the applications received, CCAPS staff make matches based on interests, experiences, and the preferences noted on applications. It's clear that those who apply to the Mentor Program have a passion for their industries and studies, as well as for developing as professionals. This alone has proven to be successful in fostering strong mentoring relationships.
Mentorship Benefits
What Do Mentees Gain?
Through the Mentor Program mentees:
- Deepen their knowledge of a specific industry, employer, organizational culture, and/or job function
- Partner with real-world professionals who offer knowledge and insight, and help to navigate career paths and achievement of goals
- Connect knowledge learned in the classroom with professional endeavors
- Improve job or internship searches
- Expand professional networks and networking skills
- Transition successfully to the workplace or a new career path
- Gain a sense of belonging and purpose
What Do Mentors Gain?
Through the Mentor Program mentors:
- Share knowledge about their education, careers, successes and failures, and what has been learned along the way
- Gain experience in coaching and fostering talent
- Deepen their knowledge about the CCAPS student body and campus community
- Cultivate a stronger connection with the College and the U of M
- Engage and network with other participants
- Reignite enthusiasm for their work
Mentorship Expectations
Mentee Expectations
To participate in the program mentees must:
- Initiate regular contact with their mentor via phone, email, and meetings, be they in person or virtual
- Be proactive and willing to meet with their mentor at least once a month, and see the relationship through the mentorship period (October-April)
- Discuss goals, needs, and what they hope to gain from the relationship with their mentor
- Participate in self-reflection and self-development, and be open to feedback
- Act professionally at all times, and return phone calls and emails in a timely manner
- Understand that the mentor program is NOT a job-placement program
- Notify the Mentor Program team if circumstances require them to end their participation in the program or if there is a concern with the mentoring relationship
Mentor Expectations
To participate in the program mentors must:
- Commit to being accessible to and engaged in mentoring one student through the mentorship period (October-April)
- Help students establish realistic and attainable goals and identifying ways to achieve them
- Provide guidance and support by sharing personal and professional experiences.
- Offer constructive suggestions and feedback
- Determine how their expertise can help the student meet their career goals
- Ask questions that help students explore their own values and needs, and make informed decisions
- Be familiar with U of M Student Development Outcomes
- Understand that there is no expectation that internships or employment will result from this experience
- Notify the Mentor Program team if here is a concern with the mentoring relationship
