Mentor Program

Mentor Program

What’s the Mentor Program All About?

The Mentor Program is a great way for students and alumni of St. Joseph’s University to connect, build meaningful relationships, and support each other’s success—both in careers and in life after college.

The program runs twice a year—Fall (October–December) and Spring (February–May)—with a suggested monthly meeting, either online or in person, depending on what works best for the mentor and mentee.

Why Join?

For Students and Recent Graduates (Mentees):

  • Get matched with experienced alumni for career advice and support.
  • Learn new skills and explore different career paths.
  • Improve your resume, interview techniques and job search strategy.
  • Gain confidence and a clearer sense of direction for your future.

For Alumni (Mentors):

  • Support fellow alumni and guide the next generation of St. Joe’s graduates.
  • Share your industry experience and insights.
  • Strengthen your leadership and mentoring skills.
  • Grow your own professional network while giving back to the St. Joe’s community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a mentor?

 

Mentors are alumni who are passionate about sharing their time, knowledge and resources with current students and fellow alumni. Offering insight and broader perspectives based on real-world experience during key decision-making times, alumni mentors can help provide structure to their mentee’s life, plan for next steps in their career and help them build their professional networks.

Please note: Being matched with a mentee is not guaranteed. Matches are based on several factors, including program needs. If you're not matched for the current cycle, you'll still remain eligible for future opportunities.

Who can be a mentee?

Mentees are current students or young alumni looking for guidance as they navigate their SJNY journey, embark upon their career, consider a career change or explore graduate school. Mentees want to grow professionally, learn skills, explore career paths and expand their professional networks. 

It is important to note that mentees are responsible for initiating the conversation with their mentors and are encouraged to connect with their mentors at least 3 times throughout their established relationship. 

How long is the Mentor Program?

By joining the program, mentors and mentees commit to maintaining their relationship throughout the semester's duration. Email updates and reminders will be communicated via the platform to ensure pairs have adequate time to connect and work together to complete program milestones.

How will I be matched with my mentor/mentee?

Mentors and mentees will be matched based on the program’s unique algorithm, taking into account users’ profile details, including industry, major, and location.

Help! I’ve never been a mentor/mentee before.

You’re not alone! We recommend checking out the Mentor Group, a great way to stay informed of key dates, receive helpful mentoring tips, and ask questions. Additionally, in the Resources tab, you will find plenty of materials (i.e. Suggested Questions, Sample Emails, Dos and Don’ts) to help you best navigate this new and exciting relationship. 

What if I do not hear from my mentee or mentor?

Please contact Sylvie Brown at [email protected] or via direct message on SJNYconnect.com right away to discuss next steps.

Fall 2026 Key Dates

  • Oct 15 – Student/Alumni Networking Night (BK)
    Meet fellow participants and potential mentors at Networking Night on the Brooklyn campus.
  • Oct 16 – Participation Deadline  
    Submit your participation form through SJNYconnect. You'll need an SJNYconnect profile to register.
  • Oct 19 –  Match Day 
    Receive your mentor match and start connecting.
  • Oct–Dec – Mentoring Semester
    Engage in conversations, career exploration, and regular check-ins.
  • Dec 15 – Program Wrap-Up
    Reflect on your experience and celebrate the semester.

What Past Participants Say

Brittany Hirson ’16, CEO of South Bay Energy Corp.

B.A. Marketing

"If you’re thinking about becoming a mentor but aren’t sure you have much to offer, I encourage you to consider what a long way showing up and listening goes. Your time and attention mean more than you realize. You don’t need to have all the answers, just the willingness to support someone as they figure things out."

Aarohi Poudel ’26

B.A. Economics

"My mentor helped guide my internship search and identify roles aligned with my interests, giving me a clearer vision for my future. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking career guidance—or even just hoping to make a new friend." 

 

Ready to Join the Mentor Program?
Getting started only takes a few minutes!

Here’s how to get started:

  • Step 1: Create or Access Your SJNYconnect Account
    Visit SJNYconnect.com and register for an account or log in.
  • Step 2: Complete Your Profile
    Click Edit Profile (top right) and add your photo, experience, industry, location, and other details. A complete profile helps us make the best mentor match.
  • Step 3: Set Your Mentoring Preferences
    Under the Mentoring section, choose the mentoring role(s) that best fit your interests, then click Save.
  • Step 4: Complete the Mentor Program Application
    Submit the Mentor Program Application so we can match you with the right mentor or mentee.
  • Step 5: Explore Resources
    Visit the Resources folder for important dates, program information, and mentoring tips.
  • Step 6: Connect with the Mentor Community
    You'll automatically be added to the Mentor Group on SJNYconnect for updates, discussions, and networking.
  • Step 7: Watch for Emails
    Add [email protected] to your safe sender list so you don't miss important program communications.

Questions about the Mentor Program?

Email Sylvie Brown, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, at [email protected] to ask a question or schedule a quick Zoom to walk through the Mentor Program or platform together.