Students

Mentorship is a partnership between two people; a more experienced individual (the mentor) and an individual aspiring to learn from the mentor’s experience (the mentee). The USC Dornsife Alumni Mentorship Program’s central mission is to provide Dornsife students with the means to connect with alumni to support career exploration, job shadowing, and networking opportunities.

• The Mentor will provide insight and guidance for the mentee based on personal experience in career and academic pursuits.
• The Mentee will receive guidance and advice from a mentor to assist in career development, goal setting, and career-related decision-making.

A successful mentorship program would be the completion of all required elements over the course of the 9-week program:

• Orientation
• Coffee Chat (to schedule events)
• Activities 1-6
• Closing Event

• As a USC student, you have exclusive access to a robust network of alumni who are eager and willing to meet you and share their wisdom and experience about life beyond USC.
• As a program participant, you’ll be paired with an alumni mentor to assist you with academic guidance, career advice, and personal development.

• You will be paired for a 9-week mentorship commitment with a mentor.
• We encourage you to connect with your mentor on a regular basis (weekly phone/video calls, in-person meetings, or email conversations). However, the frequency and form of communication are things you both can determine.
• The USC Dornsife Alumni Mentorship Program is about building your professional network, personal development, and gaining academic and career advice.
• This program is not a direct pipeline to a job or internship, though it can often help with opportunities in the future.
• Please DO NOT ask your mentor for a job or internship.

The commitment as a student mentee lasts 9-weeks. Mentorship opportunities are available each semester, fall and spring.

• Once you register for the USC Trojan Network, you’ll be part of the exclusive Dornsife mentorship community.
• You’ll complete a profile detailing basic information about you as well as your interests and aspirations.
• In addition, you’ll complete the USC Dornsife Alumni Mentorship Program registration where you’ll convey more specifically what you’re hoping to get out of the mentorship program and what you need the most help with.
• Once registration is complete, you’ll be matched with a mentor that can help you accomplish your goals.

It may take your mentor a few days to respond. Keep in mind that working professionals have a lot of demands on their time.  If a few days have passed and you still have not received a response, please contact mentorship@dornsife.usc.edu for help.

You are welcome to stay connected with your mentor as long as they are willing and able to help.

Some events and programs are required including Orientation, Coffee Chat task scheduling, and the Closing Celebration.  The great thing about this program is that your mentorship connection can be carried out as the mentor and mentee see fit since the activities will be chosen by you and your mentor and will be completed according to each of your schedules.

Many of our alumni mentors do not live in Los Angeles. You can connect with your mentor via phone, email, Zoom, or FaceTime and still have a great connection. We will provide virtual events and discussions for you and your mentor to participate in, but your regularly scheduled communication is up to you to keep going.

It is quick and simple to sign up to be a mentee.

1. Sign up on the Trojan Network. 
   
2. Once registered, select Programs
3. Complete the Dornsife Mentorship Program registration process.