Alumni mentors and student mentees create profiles. The alumni profiles will highlight degrees, current and past positions, areas of interest, past research/articles, and additional information about the graduate. Of course, alumni are only asked to provide information that they are comfortable sharing.
When the students create their profiles, they will be sent a list of potential mentor matches. This matching process will focus on various fields, including related interests and similar career goals. The student has the opportunity to select one of their recommended matches. Once an alumni mentor is selected, the alumnus will receive an email, asking to begin a mentoring relationship. If the alumnus accepts, the relationship will begin. If the alumnus declines, students will be directed to review their matches again.
You are probably asking yourself, “How long does this last?” The answer is as long as you want it to last. Some of our students may be looking for mentors to ask singular or specific questions. Other students may be looking for guidance over an extended period of time. Once the mentor and mentee feel like the goals of the relationship are accomplished, they can choose to move on.While messaging between mentors and mentees is available on the software, alumni and students are welcomed to share personal contact information if they feel so inclined. AIM will not supply students with any alumni contact information and vice versa. That will be left solely to the discretion of the participants.
Alumni mentors are welcome to accept up to three student mentees at any given time. We just ask that you only accept as many mentees as you are able to adequately respond to and advise.