Flash Mentoring

Smeal College of Business alumni can become a flash mentor if they want to volunteer to help students be better prepared.

Virtual Engagement

Alumni can volunteer for this virtual initiative to assist second-year Smeal students who are at a Commonwealth Campus and "tracking" toward Smeal. Many of these students are in need of extra guidance around important topics like fine-tuning their resume, student organization involvement, key resources and sites to pay attention to, and advice for planning for their summer & fall experiences.

Volunteers are not expected to be long-term Mentors to the students they connect with. The purpose is to give the students a chance to gain an outside perspective on what they can be doing to get ahead.

Please note that this initiative is different than the Smeal College of Business Mentoring Program, where students and alumni are matched for a full academic year. 

Spring 2024 dates and registration will be available in the late fall. 

What to Expect

  1. Watch this video where Ashley Rippey, Executive Director of the Smeal Business Career Center talks more about examples of the types of topics you will discuss with your assigned students.
     
  2. In mid- to late-January, volunteers will receive a list of about five students from Jen Crispell, Director of Alumni Relations. Alumni should reach out to their assigned students to introduce themselves (see more information about tips for this introduction email in our Frequently Asked Questions) In most cases, conversations with students will be virtual and held during the months of February and March. 

  3. As students respond via e-mail, schedule a virtual assessment meeting or phone call and make recommendations during the meeting, based on what you learn about their concerns and the areas they may need assistance with.
     
  4. Learn more and find resources to assist you have successful conversations on this page with Frequently Asked Questions.