Programs
- Mentorship Program
- Undergraduate Research Award
Mentorship Program
The UC San Diego Physical Sciences Mentorship Program is a collaboration between the Division of Physical Sciences Student Success Center and the Alumni Office. The objective of the program is for mentors to support graduating seniors in navigating the job search process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, mentors can provide specific information regarding career paths, goal setting, occupations and industries, as well as provide general advice for students for life after college. By connecting to a mentor, not only do students get to absorb their mentor's expertise and knowledge, but the students also gain valuable networking experience that will be critical to their success.
The program is mutually beneficial to mentors as it provides mentors with a meaningful volunteer opportunity to learn about the current student experience while becoming a more engaged alumni.
The goal of the program is to foster effective and beneficial partnerships between students and alumni/ industry professionals. Interactions will be done via email, phone, Skype, Zoom, or other form of virtual meeting as determined by the mentor and mentee. The expectation is that each pair will communicate at least one hour/month for the duration of the 6-month program.
Program Timeline and Details
Application Period
- Application period November 1, 2020 - December 10, 2020
Duration of Program:
- January 31, 2021 - July 30, 2021
Check-In
- The Student Success Center will check-in with mentees and mentors once every month.
- Mentees and mentors will receive a survey at the end of the mentoring program.
Matching Process
- We strive to match mentors and mentees based on interest indicated on the registration form from both parties.
Suggested Mentorship Activities
Resume/ Cover Letter
Review and critique your student’s resume and cover letter. Provide suggestions on what skills recruiters may be looking for in your industry.
Employment Opportunities During COVID-19 Pandemic
Discuss how to navigate the job search process during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elevator Pitch
Work with your student in crafting a 30-second personal introduction that will make a positive and lasting impression. This can be helpful at various networking or recruitment events.
Networking Tips and Etiquette
Provide tips on networking strategies and how to effectively network. Share the do’s and don’ts when it comes to networking.
Informational Interview
Allow your student to interview you about your career path, education, job, and more. Discuss the industry and office culture. This will allow the student to explore different careers that might best align with their interests and personality. Connect your student to other colleagues in which they can also conduct an informational interview with.
Assist your student in creating a LinkedIn profile or review their LinkedIn and make suggestions on how to improve their online professional brand. Suggest associations and companies to follow in your industry.
Interviewing/ Mock Interview
Share your interviewing experience with your student. Conduct a mock/ practice interview and provide feedback.
Technology/ Latest Trends
Discuss how your company uses technology or what are the latest trends in your profession.
Graduate School
Discussed why you chose to go or not go to graduate school. Discuss pros to an advance degree in your field. If you have gone to graduate school, share tips about the application process and what your experience as a graduate student was like.
Applications and Forms
The mentee application deadline was January 11, 2021 at 5:00pm.
We are accepting Mentors now!
Submit an application here: Mentor Application.
Mentoring Agreement Form
Fill out and submit this form of agreement: Mentoring Agreement Form.
