Good Mentoring is Key to Grad Student Success

Participate in the Graduate Center's Mentoring Program!

Graduate students in research-focused programs can apply to be paired with a mentor. Mentors include members of the Graduate Studies Advisory Board, W&M staff and coeducators, W&M alumni, and friends of the university. 

The Graduate Center aims to enhance the mentoring of graduate students in research programs. Graduate students are most successful when they receive mentoring from multiple sources. We pair students with volunteers who are friends of W&M’s graduate programs. This program fosters one-on-one mentorships intended to help students build professional skills. Your mentor will complement the mentoring you routinely receive from your faculty advisor.

What Should I Expect if I Want to be Paired?

We will pair a student with a mentor for the academic year. We ask mentors to be in contact with you roughly three times per semester, although more frequent interactions are welcome. We hope you will discuss with your mentor your individual career and skills development goals. Your mentor can provide advice, guidance, and, where possible, resources to help you reach your individual professional goals.

This might include mentoring in the following areas: building a professional presence online and promoting one’s career; the preparation of job application materials and job interview skills (e.g., mock interviews); networking, including providing networking opportunities or connections in your field; or offering guidance on particular job or field-related skills. It is up to you and your mentor to agree on how much time to spend working together.

The Graduate Center will pair students with mentors, will make the initial introductions, and then will let you take it from there. The Grad Center is always available to assist, answer questions, or address concerns.

Why Should I Participate in this Program?

• Gain broader perspectives on how to prepare for your career;
• Expand awareness of different career paths;
• Receive guidance on job materials from experts with extensive experience in your field;
• Expand your skill set;
• Build your resume;
• Make contacts in your field;
• Get to know a really interesting person who cares deeply about W&M!

What Is NOT Expected of the Mentor?

It is important that you have reasonable expectations about what to expect from your mentor. Mentors are NOT expected to:

• Help you get a job.
• Read substantial portions of your academic writing or help you with research.
• Give you an unreasonable amount of their time.
• Have all the answers. Each mentor brings individual strengths to the table; not every mentor will be able to address all of your questions or support you in all of your goals.
• Do all the work. Like any relationship, this mentorship should be a give-and-take. If your mentor suggests you do something that will add to your professional skills and help you build your career, you should make a good effort to follow through.

How Do I Sign Up?

To apply, contact [[sgglos,Sarah Glosson]] by email. We will make every effort to pair you with a mentor who will best suit your needs. We cannot guarantee that each student applicant will be paired with a mentor, but we will do our best.