Alumni Mentoring Program

This program has two broad goals: first, to introduce doctoral and postdoctoral mentees to alumni mentors in a relevant field, and to help build connections that relate to mentees’ future career interests; and second, to give mentees the opportunity to practice networking in a low-stakes and supportive environment. Although mentees and mentors may not perfectly align in their research backgrounds or career paths, mentors and mentees will ideally learn from each others’ perspectives and approaches to career decision-making.

• For Mentees
  • Be prepared with questions before every meeting.
  • Be respectful of your mentor’s time by honoring appointments and being punctual.
  • Be willing to learn from others’ experiences and receive feedback.
  • Consider your goals for the mentorship program and communicate these goals with your mentor.
  • Be prepared to meet with your mentor at least 3 times.
• For Mentors
  • Be willing to share your experiences, as well as career advice, personal development, networking tips, and so on with your mentees.
  • Be willing to learn from your mentees’ experiences.
  • Give respectful and actionable feedback.
  • Remember that you don’t have to be an expert in everything.
  • Keep discussions private to build a trusting and open mentoring relationship.
  • Be prepared to meet with assigned mentee(s) at least 3 times.

Setting up your account is quick and easy! Once you do so, you’ll be able to expand your Terp network, grow professionally, explore new career opportunities, and so much more.

1. Go to the Terrapins Connect homepage.
2. Click the "Join Your Community" button.
3. Select a signup method (ex. LinkedIn, Email, SSO)
4. Choose your User Type (ex. "Student, Alumni, Faculty/Staff)
5. Fill out your background info (if you use LinkedIn, your information will auto-populate!
6. Sign up for the Doctoral Career Pathways Alumni Mentoring Program.

You may need to wait for an admin to approve your account. If that's the case, you’ll receive an email once your account has been approved (typically within 24 hours). One your TerrapinsConnect account is approved, we will be able to see your registration for this program. 

During the application process, mentors and mentees indicate their commitment to initiating, developing, and maintaining this relationship. Individuals are also asked to share their professional fields, career interests, identities, and workstyle preferences. Based on the applications received, the Graduate School staff make matches based on interests, experiences, and preferences noted on applications. 

Wherever you are in your career journey, mentorship is a crucial element to career success. For doctoral students and postdocs, this program can help you sharpen your skills and gather advice on diverse career paths for individuals with terminal degrees. For alumni, this program can help you develop your communication and leadership skills and foster your connections with soon-to-be UMD alumni.

The relationship is more about fostering professional development, networking skills, and understanding the realities of the workplace. Students are expected to gain wisdom, not necessarily direct job opportunities, from their connections with alumni. The main objective is to support students in their journey towards defining and navigating their own career paths, rather than offering them a quick entry into the job market.

It's important to remember mentoring is also not a one-sided relationship. Even as alumni share their experiences and provide industry insights, they also stand to learn fresh perspectives and new ideas from the students. It's about creating a mutually beneficial relationship that promotes personal growth and lifelong learning.

This program is designed to be a supportive environment for discussion and information sharing. For additional career support, current doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars can schedule 1:1 career advising, explore additional Professional & Career Development opportunities from The Graduate School, visit The University Career Center. Alumni can access the Coaches Corner by the Alumni Association. 

If you need additional resources for mental health and well-being as doctoral students or postdoctoral scholars, visit the new campus mental health resource website, consider joining the Eat, Grow, Learn series, visit the Counseling Center (for students) or Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (for GAs and postdocs).

We will send a calendar invite to everyone who’s registered, but will confirm your participation by April 18, 2025. All matched mentoring pairs are expected to attend the kickoff meeting on April 25, 2025.

Our team will also be standing by to answer any questions you might have. Please contact Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg, Ph.D. (amecklen@umd.edu) and Yi Hao, Ph.D. (yihao@umd.edu) if you have additional questions or suggestions.