Alumni
School of Physical Sciences Mentor Program
Armed with a degree, most college graduates stand poised - ready to conquer the world. But too many of us are unprepared for the foibles and unpredictability of the job market. Unfortunately, a degree does not ensure clarity of career path nor the best approach to take.
How many of us swerve off the path and settle for something else? Just for a short period of time, we tell ourselves. Afterall, we now have numerous bills and those pesky schools loans to pay. Perhaps a new class should be required "Life After College - How to Survive and Land the Job of Your Choice."
To help graduates not only survive, but be successful, the School of Physical Sciences has created a Mentor Program. This program pairs alumni and students with similar interests. Mentors provide academic and career guidance, networking opportunities, and insights into the working world. They help students answer such questions as: What can I do with my degree? Should I go to graduate school? Where do I see myself in five years?
In just 18 months, the Physical Sciences Mentor Program has grown to more than 100 alumni and student participants. Beyond the individual mentoring relationships, the participants are also involved in workshops and group activities designed to help strengthen the relationships and to help prepare the students for life after graduation.
The role of Mentor is an essential one - their dedication will serve as a compass to these students, helping to point them in the right direction for their life's journey.
We need your help! For more information about becoming a volunteer mentor or financially supporting this program, please contact Anne Reese in the School of Physical Sciences at (949) 824-2985 or mentorprogram@ps.uci.edu.
