Since 2019, the OCU Alumni Mentor Program has connected OCU students and alumni through meaningful one-on-one mentoring relationships. Designed as a three-month experience each fall, the program creates opportunities for students to gain guidance and confidence as they prepare for life after graduation while giving alumni a meaningful way to share their experiences, strengthen their connection to OCU, and invest in the next generation of Stars.
Whether exploring career paths, navigating personal and professional growth, or building lifelong connections, participants learn from one another in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
Program at a Glance
- Duration: Three months during the fall semester
- Participants: Current OCU students and OCU alumni
- Commitment: Mentors and mentees meet at least three times throughout the program using the communication method that works best for them, whether in person or virtually.
What You'll Gain
- Meaningful connections between OCU students and alumni.
- Valuable real-world perspectives and career insights.
- Opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication, and professional skills.
- An expanded OCU network and relationships that extend beyond the program.
Participant Expectations
- Complete and submit the Alumni Mentoring Program Mentorship Agreement
- Communicate consistently and respectfully throughout the mentoring relationship.
- Be engaged and committed throughout the program.
- Complete the end-of-program assessment.
Ready to Get Started?
Take the next step and become part of a program that builds meaningful connections between OCU students and alumni!
MENTOR FAQ's
After your application has been received, we will review the Alumni Mentor Program applications to make the best match based upon mutual interests, career paths, and availability. You will receive an email the week prior to the Opening Ceremony with your Mentee match information. Further instructions will be included in the email.
Students are asked to connect with their Mentor at least three times. The program will include five total meetings, including the opening and closing receptions in September and November, respectively. During the opening, the mentor/mentee matches will be announced, and your first task will be to complete a Mentoring Goals & Communications Protocol agreement collaboratively to set the standards for the yearlong commitment. This will include how and how often you will communicate outside of the formal in-person meetings.
The program is open to all currently enrolled students, but usually, students are ready to have meaningful professional development conversations by the time they reach their sophomore year.
This program is all about making connections and seeking advice from professionals in your field of interest, not about asking for a job or internship. If your Mentee focuses solely on this aspect, please let us know. However, if you see your Mentee as a good fit or can recommend them for an awesome opportunity, please do so!
Unfamiliar emails can sometimes go straight to junk or clutter鈥攑lease check there first! If you are comfortable, please consider reaching out to them. Students often need a gentle push in the right direction, and making an initial connection with you might be slightly intimidating. If you can get the ball rolling, odds are things will take off! In the rare case that things are not working out, please contact our office ASAP for further instructions.
MENTEE FAQ's
Career mentors are individuals who volunteer to share their time and expertise with you to help you learn about careers and to begin building your professional network. These can be professionals within the OCU Alumni Mentor Program or someone within your industry that you feel could offer valuable insight. Students should be connecting with a career mentor to conduct informational interviews, network via email, job shadow, participate in a mock interview, or receive feedback on a resume or cover letter.
After your application has been received, we will review the Alumni Mentor Network database to make the best match based on mutual interests, career paths, and availability. You will receive an email (based on availability) with your Mentor match information. Further instructions will be included in the email.
Students are asked to contact their Mentor at least once a month. During the opening, the mentor/mentee matches will be announced, and your first task will be to complete the Alumni Mentoring Program Mentorship Agreement to set the standards for the yearlong commitment. This will include how and how often you will communicate outside of the formal in-person meetings.
The program is open to currently enrolled students entering their fall semester. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors based on mentor ability.
After you have sent a message to a potential career mentor, please allow 5 business days for a response. When you receive a response, you should work with your mentor to determine how and when you will communicate with one another (i.e., by mail, by phone or in person, on which date).
- Remember to be punctual and prepared for your meetings/conversations
- Send a thank-you note within 24 hours
What was your initial method for outreach? Unfamiliar emails can sometimes go straight to junk or clutter. If you have emailed a couple of times with no response, try picking up the phone! Often it is a simple technical issue keeping you from connecting, but in the rare case that things just are not working out, please contact our office for further instructions.
This program is all about making connections and seeking advice from professionals in your field of interest, not about asking for a job or internship. If your Mentor sees you as a good fit or recommends you for an awesome opportunity, that is a bonus!
