NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development Mentor Network

Looking to remain "connected" to the NYU community in a personal and fulfilling way that does not require a lot of your time?

If so, the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development would like to invite you to participate in the "NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development Mentor Network".

Exploring career options understandably raises a lot of questions for students. What is the best way to break into a particular field? How readily can I apply the skills learned in this job to another occupation? What will my career advancement path be like? With your help, the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development Mentor Network can provide many of the answers to these and other questions most often asked by students.

"People helped me along the way ... I wanted to give something back. It's satisfying to help students become informed about career choices and to learn more about the working world." Alumnus, President, Interactive Technologies Business

The Center's Mentor Network helps students explore careers by linking them with alumni and other professionals who are interested in providing information and guidance about their chosen professions. This program gives students an "inside look" at career options through informational interviewing, networking and observation. The program is not designed for job networking, but rather it serves as an educational and informational program to enhance a student's career exploration. Participating students are prepared for the Mentor Network through a counseling and screening process designed to assess their career planning readiness. Mentors gain the satisfaction of helping NYU students make sound career decisions by sharing information and expertise about their careers.

"Now that I am working, I can truly appreciate how important it can be to get insights from someone working in the field [since] I did not have the benefits of a mentor when I graduated." Alumnus, Administrator, Non-Profit Organization

Some mentors may enjoy providing a "shadowing experience" or a "day on the job", an individual meeting, or a career-related conversation with students wishing to learn more about a particular field. The amount of time devoted to the program is entirely up to each mentor. Mentors specify how frequently and in what manner they wish to be contacted. A mentor contact can range from 20 minutes to one hour. Participation can entail a single meeting with a student or it can develop into a longer term "mentoring" relationship.

"[My mentor] was incredibly accommodating. He showed a genuine concern for me and my career development. I would enthusiastically recommend [my mentor] as a mentor to others." NYU student

Although many alumni are involved in the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development Mentor Network, more are needed to address the broad range of career interests held by NYU students. Mentors from all occupations are welcome and are encouraged to participate in the program. Moreover, mentoring is fun, rewarding and really DOES make a difference in a student's life. If you would like to become a mentor, please complete the Mentor Profile Form. You can also learn more about the program by reviewing some additional information or contacting the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development at (212)998-4730.