Penn Engineering Mentoring Program

What is the Penn Engineering Mentoring Program?

The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science Mentoring Program is a program that pairs first year undergraduate engineering students in their second semester of coursework with alumni mentors.  Students will be matched with a mentor during the spring semester of their freshman year.  The program will continue into the fall of the student’s sophomore year, with an event during the fall (possibly during Homecoming weekend). 

The mentors will meet their students in a mutually convenient location during the spring semester of their freshmen year and/or over the student's summer break. Students and mentors are expected to continue meeting and corresponding into the fall of the student’s sophomore year.

Possible informal and formal activities to build the mentor-student relationship include (based on past experiences):

• Meeting for lunch
• Touring the mentor’s company
• Spending a day shadowing the mentor
• Attending professional meetings
• Email/Phone communication

What are the benefits of having a mentor?

This is an invaluable experience for the student and a great way for the mentor to stay connected to the University and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.  The mentor-student relationship encourages the educational and personal growth of the student by:

• Providing exposure to and expanding students’ perceptions of a career field.

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• Offering personal and professional career guidance.

What is expected of the mentee and mentor?

The mentee is expected to initiate and maintain contact with the mentor following the match process.  Each mentor and mentee should meet at least twice during the program.  In addition, contact should occur via phone or e-mail once every two months.  At the end of the year, both participants are asked to complete and return an evaluation form to the Career Services Office.

How do I become a mentor?

To be paired with a student, you should contact Liz Stanley via the phone or e-mail address listed below as soon as possible.  In addition, you can complete an on-line volunteer form at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/seas

Rosette Pyne                                                                   Liz Stanley

Senior Associate Director                                              Associate Director

Career Services                                                              Career Services

(215) 898-3012                                                                (215) 898-3012

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Penn Engineering Alumni Society Representatives:

Nancy Harris, EAS'79 D '83