Unlock Your Future with our Alumni Mentorship Program
As a student at Buffalo State, you have the unique opportunity to connect with alumni who have been in your shoes and now have the chance to make an impact on current students. Through the Alumni Mentorship Program, you can gain insights, advice, and networking opportunities that will help you navigate your academic journey and prepare for the future.
Why Connect with a Mentor?
- Guidance from Experience: Our alumni mentors are professionals who once walked in your shoes. They understand the challenges you face and can offer personalized advice on how to succeed.
- Build Your Network: Mentors provide valuable connections that can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and professional growth.
- Career Confidence: Whether you're exploring career options or preparing for your first job search, mentors help you develop the confidence to pursue your goals.
How It Works
- Get Matched: Complete a profile to match with an alumnus who shares your interests, major, or career aspirations.
- Set Your Goals: Work with your mentor to identify what you hope to achieve—whether it's improving your resume, hanging out on campus, or event just having someone to talk to...your alumni mentor can help with that.
- Flexible Commitment: The program is designed to fit your schedule. You can communicate with your mentor via email, phone, or in-person, based on what works best for you.
Start Your Journey Today
Ready to get started? Don’t miss this chance to learn from those who’ve been in your shoes and want to see you succeed. Sign up today by filling out our interest form here!
Example Timeline: What to Expect as a Mentee
Are you excited about the idea of having an alumni mentor, but not sure what the process looks like? Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
Step 1: You're Interested! Awesome!
We can’t wait to get you started. The first step is showing interest, and from here, you’ll begin the onboarding process.
Step 2: We Help You Through It!
The process takes about a month, during which you'll complete an application and meet with program coordinators. This includes:
- A quick interview to understand your goals and interests.
- Orientation to get familiar with how the program works.
Don’t stress—it sounds like a lot, but it's designed to help you make the most of this opportunity. We want to ensure you’re matched with the best possible mentor for you.
Step 3: Get Involved Early!
While you wait to be paired, feel free to join any mentor events happening on campus. These events are a great way to see how the program works, meet other mentors and students, and network with alumni in your field. It's also a chance to immerse yourself in the Buffalo State community while expanding your professional network.
Step 4: You're Paired with a Mentor!
Once you're matched, you’ll start connecting with your alumni mentor. The commitment is super flexible—there are no required meeting times. You and your mentor can decide how often to connect, whether that’s through phone calls, campus events, or casual meetups.
Don’t worry about how to start—Buffalo State Alumni Association will share ideas on how to make the most of the experience. You could attend a campus game together or grab coffee at the library's Starbucks—it’s up to you!
You’ll also receive monthly newsletters filled with event updates, new opportunities, and ideas for things you and your mentor can do together.
Step 5: Grow the Relationship!
As you continue to meet and get to know your mentor, you’ll build a valuable connection that supports your academic and career goals. The timeline is completely flexible and depends on what works best for you and your mentor.