Milgard Undergraduate Mentoring Program

MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Milgard Undergraduate Mentoring

Program Objective: The mission of the Milgard Undergraduate Mentoring Program is to enrich and support the professional, academic, and personal experiences of Milgard undergraduate students by connecting them with a professional mentor, with the goal of assisting them in transitioning from academic to professional life. 

Program Duration: Late Autumn Quarter through Summer Quarter (December– August). First cohort will launch in December 2022. 

Benefits for the Mentees: Through intentional 1:1 pairings, undergraduate students will gain career advice, guidance on post-undergraduate school planning, and tips on how to expand their network from a seasoned professional within their field of study. 

Benefits for the Mentors: Volunteer mentors will have the opportunity to help students grow professionally, while developing their coaching skills and strengthening their connection to the Milgard School of Business and networking with fellow program mentors. 

Requirements and Expectations

Mentors must: 

  • Be a Milgard Alumnus/a, Milgard Board Member or Milgard Executive in Residence 

  • Have at least 5 years of professional experience 

Mentees must: 

  • Must be a Milgard undergraduate student (priority will be given to juniors and seniors) 

  • Take a proactive role by initiating contact with mentor and come prepared to all mentor/mentee meetings 

Mutual Expectations:

  • Complete mentor/mentee application to assist in matching

  • Commit to monthly communications with mentor/mentee - by phone, Zoom, etc...

  • Attend program kick-off, mid-point check-in and closing celebration

  • Respect time commitments, honor appointments and reply to mentor/mentee within 2 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?
The time commitment is approximately 10 hours between October and March. We ask that pairs meet 1:1 (virtual or in-person) for a minimum of one hour per month during the program. Additionally, we ask that all participants attend the kickoff orientation, mid-point check-in and closing celebration.

Who will I be mentoring?
Our program supports undergraduate students who are pursuing their Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) degree. Students who are in their final year of study are given priority, but the program is available to all Milgard undergraduate students on a space available basis. Mentors are able to specify if they would prefer to support a student from a specific program, or would like to work with someone close to graduation or on a longer timeline. These preferences will be taken into consideration when we are pairing students with mentors.

I’m a recent graduate. Can I be a mentor?
We ask that all mentors have at least five years of professional experience within their field. 

I don’t live in the Tacoma area. Can I be a mentor?
Yes! Remote connections can be as strong and impactful as local connections and we have seen great success with mentors supporting students from locations far and wide.

Are the meetings remote or in person?
Mentor and student pairs are able to determine what works best for them based on their locations, schedules and personal preferences. For the 2021-22 academic year, we encourage pairs to meet remotely as much as possible.

Key Dates

  • October 28, 2022 – Mentee application due 

  • December 7, 2022 – Program Kickoff Celebration 

  • February 2023 – Winter quarter check-in 

  • April 2023 – Spring quarter check-in 

  • June 2023 – Closing Celebration event 

Learn More and Get Involved

Registration for the 2022-2023 Undergrade Mentoring Program will open in September 2022. If you are interested in mentoring the next cycle (Oct. 2022-March 2023), please fill out this interest form and we will reach out to you in September when we begin mentor recruitment.

Please contact Milgard Alumni Engagement Manager, Ellen Hermansen, for any questions: (elbelle@uw.edu).