GENERAL INFORMATION

CSUB Mentor Program

The program will provide students with a mentor that will help guide, teach, and support students with their academic careers.  Students will have the opportunity to choose their mentors by using the RunnerLink system that allows students to view mentor profiles.

What is the definition of a mentor/mentee?

Mentor: A mentor is an experienced person who helps the mentee clarify and reach their important life goals. A formal mentor agrees to an ongoing planned partnership that focuses on helping the mentee reach their career goals.

Mentee (students) : A mentee is someone seeking personal and professional development and growth through the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable professional.

Suggested Mentorship Activities

• Job Shadowing
• Informational Interviews, (the student interviews the mentor about his/her job, career growth, etc.)
• Mock Interviews
• How to complete a job application
• Tour of facilities/Meet co-workers
• Allow students to sit-in a meeting/conference.

Guiding Principles for Mentors and Students

Strive for mutual benefits- The relationship should be defined from the beginning as mutually beneficial.  Each participant has committed to the relationship by choice.  Each should openly share his or her goals for the relationship and work collaboratively to help achieve them.

Agree on confidentiality- Maintaining an environment of confidentiality is a critical component in building a trust between the participants.  Without a mutually understood ability to speak freely as the situation warrants, the relationship is unlikely to reach its full potential.

Commit to honesty- Participants should be willing to candidly share what they expect to gain from the relationship and their vision for getting there.  They should be prepared to offer frank feedback as appropriate, even if the feedback is critical.

Listen and learn- Mutual benefit and honesty can only be achieved when both members feel their viewpoints are heard and respected.  Mentors, especially, need to remember that the relationship is about the professional and personal development of the student.   Lead by example.  Actions create the most lasting impressions.