Welcome to the UPAAN Mentorship Program!

The UPAAN Mentorship Program is designed to enhance the academic and professional development of junior and senior students by connecting them with experienced alumni mentors. This initiative is not just about providing advice but creating a supportive environment where students can thrive and grow under the guidance of those who have walked the path before them.

Why Join the Mentorship Program?

Mentorship offers students a unique opportunity to gain insights into both academic and career challenges while fostering long-term relationships with professionals who are invested in their success. Through this program, students will:

• Learn how to balance school, responsibilities, and social life.

• Set themselves up for academic, social, and career success.

• Build networks and professional connections.

• Explore and identify post-graduation paths that align with their goals.

For mentors, this program provides a platform to give back, develop leadership skills, and expand their professional networks. They can help shape the next generation of leaders while refining their own professional and communication skills.

Info Sessions 2024-25

How the Mentorship Program Works

The Match Process

Our pilot mentorship program pairs junior and senior students with UPA alumni based on shared interests, backgrounds, academics, and professional aspirations. The matching process is thorough, ensuring that both mentors and mentees are aligned in ways that maximize the benefits of the relationship.

For Juniors

Juniors will engage with our carefully crafted introductory curriculum, which focuses on building essential skills and knowledge for navigating the professional world. Each month, students will participate in structured sessions covering topics such as goal setting, resume building, and crafting an elevator pitch. These sessions are designed to introduce juniors to the hidden curriculum of the professional world—insights and strategies that are often not taught in traditional academic settings but are crucial for success. Juniors will be paired with mentors who will provide guidance, support, and personalized advice throughout the year.

The Seniors

Seniors will have the opportunity to take their experience to the next level by applying for an internship opportunity within one of our four specialized internship tracks:

• STEM & Healthcare Exploration

• Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship Showcase

• Arts and Culture Discovery

• Human Behavior and Society Insights.

These internships offer real-world experience and the chance to apply their skills in a professional setting. In addition to the internship experience, seniors will continue to work with their mentors, who will help them navigate the challenges of the professional environment and support them in making the most of their internships.

Both juniors and seniors will have regular touchpoints with their mentors, who will help them reflect on their experiences, set goals, and prepare for their next steps. The program is designed to be a comprehensive support system, ensuring that every student feels empowered to take control of their future and achieve their career aspirations.