Screagles Mentoring Program

So, you have found a mentor, now what? What do you talk about? What do you ask? The questions below are a good starting point!

Questions for students to ask their mentors:

1. Describe a typical work day.
2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
3. What do you not like about your job?
4. What do you find most difficult to deal with?
5. How did you become involved in or prepare for your job? What qualifications are necessary?
6. What is your advice for someone planning a career?
7. Are there any courses that you feel were especially beneficial in college?
8. Are there any extra curricular activities that you feel were especially beneficial in college?
9. While you were in college, did you anticipate having a job similar to the one you have?
10. Have there been any or do you anticipate any changes in your field?
11. What do you consider the most important criteria when hiring a new employee to work in your department, why?
12. Is the turnover rate high?
13. is there any opportunity to learn about other aspects of the field while employed here?
14. Is company training available?
15. What kinds of decisions do you make and how much authority do you have in the making final decisions?
16. Do you have obligations outside of the workplace that you are required to be involved in or attend? (social obligations, organizations, etc.)
17. Do you have any flexibility in terms of work hours, vacation, geographic locations, attire?
18. What is the salary range for entry-level professionals?
19. What is the salary potential?
20. What is your story? How did you get to where you are today?

Objectives of the Screagles Mentoring Program

1. Provide insight into career opportunities through students' interaction with leaders in the community and their fields of interest.
2. Promote student leadership in other pursuits.
3. Provide students with contacts and networking opportunities in their fields of interest.

Student responsibilities

1. Meet/interact with my mentor as agreed upon by both parties.
2. In person meetings should always take place in a location where both the mentor and student are comfortable such as the mentor's place of business, USI campus, a restaurant or a library. Meetings should not take place in someone's home. 
3. Communicate with your mentor and seek his/her advice.
4. As a conscientious and fully engaged citizen of your university, you are expected to conduct yourself as a mature and responsible member of the University Community (in relation to the Mentoring Program, such behavior would include being prompt for meetings and appointments, courteous communication, appropriate dress, and other professional behaviors).
5. As a representative of your university, you are held to standards of behavior as outlined in your designated Student Code of Conduct and will be held responsible to conduct yourself in a professional manner.

Activities may be included in the program

Activities are mutually agreed upon by both partners. Before any specific activities occur, the partners should discuss expectations of the mentoring experience and agree upon goals for the relationship. Goals, expectations and a proposed timeline should be in a written format.

Examples of activities to enhance the student's career and occupational development:

• Feedback and counsel on the student's career plans and aspirations
• Information regarding work and/or academic background useful to the attainment of career goals
• Referral to professional literature relevant to his/her field

Examples of experiences to enhance awareness of mentor's job responsibilities:

• Introduction to the mentor's professional network
• Company tours or job shadowing
• Attendance at a departmental, staff or professional group meeting
• Attendance at a business luncheon or client meeting
• Invitation to an organization social function

For more information please contact:

Alumni Relations and Volunteer USI - 812-464-1924

Dear Ms./Mr. [Mentor Last Name]

My name is [Student Name], and I found your name while searching the USI Alumni Mentoring Directory.

Thank your mentor for volunteering to coach and guide students: (Thank you for participating as a mentor of the Screagles Mentoring Program.)

Tell your mentor how you heard about the program: (A roommate of mine participated in the program, and she recommended that I apply because her mentor helped her explore career goals. Or: I heard about the program through USI Alumni Relations and Volunteer USI and it seems like a great program that will help me explore my career goals.)

Tell your mentor about yourself: (I am a junior majoring in chemistry. Outside of classes I volunteer with the Chemistry club/ church/ etc. I am also involved in church/ USI Dance Marathon/ student association/etc. I enjoy spending my free time playing intramurals or with friends.)

Tell your mentor what you want to get out of the program and mention something that interested you from their profile. (I look forward to participating in the program and learning about different career paths available in the field of chemistry/or hear your suggestions of how I can best prepare for the professional world while at USI. I am interested in hearing more about what you do at Astra Zeneca as a R&D chemist.)

Perhaps we could meet for the first time via Zoom. I look forward to hearing from you to arrange a time to talk.

My contact information is student@eagles.usi.edu and (###) ###-#### (Including phone number is optional).

Sincerely,

First and Last Name

Major, Graduation Year

Hello Ms./Mr. [Mentor Last Name],

First, I want to thank you for volunteering to serve as a mentor. My name is [Student Name], and I’m a [sophomore] at USI majoring in marketing. I have been giving a lot of thought as to what I want to do with my marketing degree. When searching the mentoring directory, I came across your profile. You have a great deal of experience as a marketing professional. Your expertise as a marketing professional intrigued me.

I would appreciate the opportunity to hear your career story and ask a few questions about your career path. Could I ask for 30 minutes of your time to meet? I understand if you are busy. If 30 minutes is not possible, perhaps a 15-minute phone conversation or Zoom meeting is more manageable.

My resume is attached for your convenience. Please let me know a date and time that works best with your schedule.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to speaking soon,

First and Last Name

Major, Graduation Year

Good afternoon Ms./Mr. [Mentor Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Student Name], and I am a [Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student] marketing major. Recently, I have been giving a lot of thought to what I want to do with my marketing degree. I have been considering the job of a marketing manager, so when I saw your profile in the Mentor Directory, I wanted to reach out. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from you and to be guided by you.        

What do you feel is the most difficult part of your job as a marketing manager? On the flip side, what do you consider to be the most rewarding? Regarding the interview process, how did you prepare? I have had experience with interviews for part-time jobs, but an interview for a full-time professional position would require different preparation. I would appreciate any tips you have to offer. 

I look forward to hearing from you,

First and Last Name

Major, Graduation Year

Hello Ms. [Mentor Last Name],

First, I want to thank you for volunteering to serve as a mentor.

My name is [Student Name], and I am currently a [Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student] at the University of Southern Indiana, majoring in [Graphic Design]. I received your contact information through the Screagles Mentoring Program and was intrigued by your knowledge and experience in digital media communication at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science. I would enjoy an opportunity to connect with you by phone or video chat to discuss my interest in digital media communication from your perspective as an experienced professional. Please let me know the best way to communicate with you and any availability you have to discuss my interests and goals further.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

First and Last Name

Major, Graduation Year

Dear Dr./Ms./Mr.[Mentor Last Name],

My name is [Student Name] and I am a [Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student] studying [Major] at USI. I am seeking a mentor for the upcoming academic school year. I am interested in becoming a [Job Title], and I would love to learn from your personal and professional experience as [Inset Profession/Company]

OR

I am interested in pursuing a graduate degree in [Insert Field of Study] and would greatly benefit from your academic experience and expertise. During my time on campus, I have had the chance to [Insert Relevant Experiences/Extracurricular Activities] which have given me the opportunity to [Lessons Learned]. I am particularly interested in [Insert What You Hope To Gain], and feel you would be the ideal mentor for me because of your experience with [Expand on Why You Chose Them].

If you are interested in mentoring me as part of the USI Screagles Mentoring Program, please confirm by replying to this email. I can be reached [Insert Times of Availability] at [Phone Number] or by email at [Email]. Thank you for your time and consideration. Attached is my resume for your convenience.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

First and Last Name

Major, Graduation Year