A mentoring relationship is a learning and development partnership between two people, typically a more experienced person (mentor) and less experienced person (mentee). The relationship can last days, weeks, semesters or even years depending on the goals and experiences of the people in it. Mentors and mentees discuss topics like personal and professional decisions, explorations of career paths and ways to navigate a career. At Villanova, we encourage students and alumni to connect in mentoring relationships, and there are several ways to do so, including methods of creating your own.
Mentoring Programs at Villanova
Below is our list of known mentoring programs at the university, available to students and alumni with specific interests and backgrounds.
What do I talk about with my mentor?
We're glad you asked. The answer is: many things, although we suggest you focus on topics that are easily answered and will help you define short-term and long-term goals in your career planning. Asking questions about how to break into an industry or specific company, how the mentor made specific career choices and the day-to-day realities of working in that role will likely prove beneficial for you (and likely even for the mentor). Below, we're providing some questions you can consider asking a mentor to get a conversation going.
Important Note: this relationship is just that - a relationship. Be sure to thank your mentor early and often. Email thank you notes are great. Hand-written thank you notes are even better. It's a great idea to offer your support of the mentor in return for the generosity they are offering you by sharing their time and knowledge.
Additional Ways to Create Mentoring Relationships
Alumni and friends of Villanova often make their time available to be resources to Villanovans who are exploring their next career decision. Below are a few ways to explore possible connections with whom you could start an information-sharing relationship.