The program runs from August to May each year, with many alumni-student pairs continuing to communicate beyond that period.

• April 1-May 31: Application available online
• June: Student-Alumni matching takes place
• Mid-July: Students and mentors are notified if they have been selected into the program
• August: Mentoring program commences
• May: Formal program concludes

Alumni mentors can provide critical guidance to IST students as they explore their career goals and professional opportunities. As a mentor, you’ll be matched with a student whose interests match your career field.

Participation Expectations

Participation in the IST Alumni-Student Mentoring Program takes commitment on your part. You are expected to reach out to your mentee and keep your scheduled meeting times. You and your mentee will decide on appropriate times and ways to communicate, as well as your goals for the year. Most of your contact will be over the phone and email, and there is no guarantee that you'll meet your mentee in person.

We will offer you monthly prompts and information to help you with your mentoring relationship. Potential conversations could be related to your career path, reviewing your mentee’s resume and cover letter, and providing interview preparation tips.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• be a College of IST alumnus/a
• complete the program application below

The alumni volunteer form is always active. If you have completed this form previously, you do not need to do so again. If you would like to be considered to mentor or assist in other ways and you have not already done so, please complete it now.

Alumni Volunteer Form

An alumni mentor can help you with the many questions you may have about your future. What is life like after graduation? What does it take to get a job? How can I continue to build my skill set?

Alumni mentors can serve as a guide, provide advice, and help you to learn more about your field of interest and yourself. Remember that alumni mentors are all over the country.

The application period for the 24-25 academic year is now closed.  If you are interested in the program for this year, please contact Kim Woodward at kms40@psu.edu.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• be enrolled in the College of IST at University Park
• be an undergraduate student of either sophomore or junior standing
• be in good standing with the University (above a 2.00 cumulative GPA)
• complete the program application

Participation Expectations

Participation in the IST Alumni-Student Mentoring Program takes commitment on your part. You are expected to contact your mentor and keep your scheduled meeting times. You and your mentor will decide on appropriate times and ways to communicate, as well as your goals for the year. Most of your contact will be over the phone and email, and there is no guarantee that you'll meet your mentor in person.

You can learn about your career area of interest, and your mentor's career path, have your mentor review your resume/cover letter, prepare for an interview, and more. As this is independently driven, you get out of it what you put into it!