Career Development

USC Mentorship Hub Match Program

Overview of the Program:

• What is Mentorship? Mentorship is a process in which an experienced individual helps another person develop his/her goals and skills through on-going, supportive one-on-one conversations and learning exercises.
  
• Our Mission: To assist students who are approaching graduation to make a successful and informed transition from university into the work world, preferably in their field of interest. 

Program Structure/Expectations: 

• Application Window: December 2022 – January 26, 2023
• Favoriting Period: January 1 – 26, 2023
• Mentorship Hub Match Informational Virtual Meeting: January 25 at noon eastern
• Match Day: January 27, 2023
• Program Begins: February 1, 2023
• Program Ends: March 4, 2023
• Program Survey Sends to Mentors & Mentees: March 6, 2023

Weekly Themes

Week 1 (February 5 — 11): Get to Know You

Week 2 (February 12 — 18): Transferable Skills – Student Involvement & Alumni Involvement

Week 3 (February 19 — 25): Career Path & Professional Development

Week 4 (February 26 — March 4): Future Goals & Planning

Why Join the Mentorship Hub Match?

Our October 2022 Mentorship Hub Match program was such a success that we decided to host another Match in the Spring 2023 semester! But don’t take our word from it, read a few student and alumni testimonials below!

“It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the next generation (I am newly retired) and share my experiences. My mentee’s intelligence and enthusiasm are infectious… I anticipate that I will receive more than I can give in this relationship.”

Alumni Mentor

“I learned from [my mentor’s] experience in a global company and even as a human. I was so impressed by how she was willing to be there for me and even fit with my busy schedule. I can even call her anytime if I want to.”

Student Mentee

Clarifying Expectations

What are the mentor & mentee roles?

A MENTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• To discuss their needs and expectations with their mentor and think about what they want out of the relationship prior to the meeting
• Put time into preparing to talk with their mentor
• Be receptive to suggestion and feedback
• Contact their mentor if they are unable to participate in scheduled meetings in a timely manner
• Realize that having a mentor is a privilege, understand the mentor is busy with their life as well and work hard to take advantage of the opportunity
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times

A MENTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recognize the apprehension mentees may have with working with a mentor, especially if this is their first time speaking with an alum
• Listen to the needs and expectations of your mentee
• Provide honest feedback and advice relating to their experiences to support the success of the mentee’s career development
• Work with the mentee to help him/her develop and establish realistic and obtainable goals
• Offer suggestions and feedback
• Be committed to serve as a resource to their mentee
• Follow up on commitments made to their mentee

EXPECTATIONS OF BOTH MENTOR AND MENTEE:

• Respect confidences and trust each other
• Discover common ground and respect each other’s differences
• Be yourself and be flexible
• Be a good listener
  
  

Helpful Hints

• You must create a profile in the Mentorship Hub to apply to the Mentorship Hub Match.
• Once you create a profile, don’t forget to go back to apply to the Mentorship Hub Match program!
• To get the best match, make sure your profile is filled out completely – including your major, industry and availability.
• Be sure to turn on notifications for messages within the Mentorship Hub so you don’t miss any communications from your mentor/mentee!

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