The Alumni and Professional Mentor Program can help you access alumni or professionals who can answer career related questions, helping you through the career research process.
Student Roles and Responsibilities:
The role of a mentee is an important one and we would like to facilitate a successful relationship between you and your mentor. Therefore, we have the following expectations of you as a participant in the On-Line Alumni and Professional Mentoring Program.
Prepare questions that will help you clarify your career related goals.
Be open to receive advice and referrals from mentors
Respect the time and effort of the mentor by promptly returning phone calls and e-mails
Communicate problems or questions clearly
Take the initiative to ask for feedback
Utilize the resources that the mentor offers
Be appreciative of the mentor‘s information and support
Assume the mentoring program connection will be strictly professional
Keep the Mentoring Program aware of any change of status
Getting Started
Registration: Submit a KnightLink registration form to Career Services to receive a Username and Password. Those students who have been previously assigned accounts by Career Services will be able to access the professional networking component of KnightLink using their existing Username and Password.
Searching For Mentors: Follow these step-by-step instructions to search for mentors in KnightLink:
- Log on to the Career Services main web page at www.career.ucf.edu.
- Click the "Search for Jobs KnightLink " box at the bottom of the page.
- Logon to KnightLink using your assigned Username and Password and click on "Networking".
- Utilize the search fields on the page or the "detailed search" tab. You can search by major, career field, etc.
Informational Interviews
Conducted with professionals that work in the career field you are considering. The purpose is to gain first-hand knowledge about a specific occupation specific related to your career interests. This is your opportunity to ask questions. These can help you get a "feel" for the work environment, the tasks associated with the occupation, as well as its rewards and challenges.
Identifying Professionals for Interviews:
- 1. Use personal contacts made through networking activities such as career fairs, conferences and student organization events.
- 2. Use personal contacts such as family, friends, faculty members and community acquaintances.
- 3. Contact Career Services to access the UCF Alumni Mentoring Program.
General Guidelines:
- Remember that the professional is taking time out of his or her day to meet with you, so schedule your interview for approximately 20-30 minutes, at their convenience.
- Wear business casual attire and conduct yourself in a professional manner.
- Always follow up with a thank you note. This could be the first contact you make in your new career.
Some Sample Informational Interview Questions:
- What led to your choice of occupation?
- What skills do you need to be successful in this career?
- What are your major work responsibilities?
- What is a typical workday like for you?
- How did you prepare for this job?
- If you were hiring a person for this job, what qualifications would you look for?
- What is the employment outlook for your occupation?
- What is the entry-level pay for this occupation?
- What makes this job challenging and interesting?
- What types of experiences will make me more competitive upon graduating?
- What other professionals in your field do you recommend I contact to learn more?
