Frequently Asked Questions
How much time will I be expected to commit to the program?
Students are asked to contact their mentor at least once a month. This can be done by phone, email, Skype or in-person meetings, whatever is conducive to you and your mentor’s schedule. At times you may not have anything pressing to talk about, yet it’s highly recommended that you remain in contact with your mentor monthly so they are aware of what’s going on with you!
In addition, students are strongly recommended to participate in professional development programs. Many of these programs are coordinated by the Career Services Center but other activities can be done with your mentor. A sample of activities is provided below. Note that some of these programs are ongoing while others occur once.
- Career exploration
- Career fairs
- Internship and job search strategies
- Etiquette and networking dinner
- “Careers In...” series workshops
- Résumé workshop
- Résumé review
- Professional dress seminar
- How to “work” a job fair
- Mock interviews from area employers
- Graduate school workshops
How do I apply?
Students must fill out an online application. The fall application deadline is late October/early November and the spring application deadline is late February/early March. Contact the program director, Sarah Mock, for additional information.
Do I have to be a junior or senior to join the program?
No. However you must be a at least a sophomore with a general idea of what you are interested in doing after graduation. Seniors must be be 12 months from graduation to apply (i.e if you are graduating in December, you must apply before the end of November the previous year).
Will I be paired with someone in my field of interest?
Oftentimes mentors select students who share similar interests based on information provided on the application. Sometimes it is not an exact match, but the individual chosen is able to serve as an informational resource on a variety of topics.
When will I be paired up with my mentor?
We try to get students selected within 3 months of when their application was approved, however there is no guarantee. The program relies on mentors to select their mentee, therefore some students may be selected sooner than others. We encourage you to ensure your profile is completed as thoroughly as possible and has been reviewed prior to applying. If your major and/or career interests change while you are waiting to be matched, please contact Sarah Brinker-Good, Xavier Mentor Program Coordinator.
What will happen once I am selected?
You will be sent information via email about your mentor once selected. Within 3 days of receiving your confirmation email, you will need to sign up for an orientation meeting. Instructions are included in the email. Lastly, you’ll receive monthly information via email to assist you with your mentoring relationship.
Will my mentor get me a job/internship?
Absolutely not! Mentors understand they are not responsible for offering you a job or internship. The purpose of this program is to receive additional support and guidance, which could, but not always, lead to tips about jobs/internships.
Where can I get more information?
Please contact Sarah Mock, Xavier Mentor Program Director, for more information.