We believe every student could benefit from a mentor. Come learn how communicating with one could help you pick a major, build a career plan and pursue jobs and internships.
Getting Started.
Start by logging in and browsing the network of over 1,000+ Lehigh alumni profiles. Use the filters to sort by major, key word, location, industry and more.
Find an interesting mentor? Click “Full Profile” to view mentor details on their current positions, company information, academic details and previous campus involvement.
Click “Let’s Connect” to choose from 3 communication options.
Schedule a meeting – Choose a topic, phone call, video call or in-person meeting and send 2 available times
Send a message – Introduce yourself and ask a specific question or two (see examples below)
Long term mentor – communicate or meet at least 1x a month through June (with option to extend)
Introduce yourself
Example message:
Hi {Mentor Name},
I am a junior studying Journalism at Lehigh University. In addition to my studies, I am passionate about photography and have been finding interesting ways to connect images to my writing. Like you, I am interested in a career that combines writing and travel and I was impressed with your profile on Lehigh Connects.
I am searching for internship opportunities within journalism in NYC. Given your experience, I thought you might have some advice or internship leads that would help me. Would you be willing to have a 30-minute conversation with me in the next two weeks to share your thoughts?
Ideally, I would love to meet you in-person. We could meet at your office or perhaps you could suggest a nearby coffee shop. If more convenient, I am happy to talk by phone; I can be reached at my phone number below. To make it easier, I have listed a couple times I am free outside of class but I welcome you to suggest a time that works better for you:
Friday, Sept 15: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Monday, Sept 18: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Tuesday, Sept 19: 4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Thank you so much, Jen. I look forward to connecting with you!
{Your Name}
Lehigh University, Class of 2020
610 758 3710
email@lehigh.edu
Example message:
Hello (mentor name),
I am a senior (add major) planning to graduate this May and I am job searching for positions in (add industry, example job titles). I am drawn to this type of work because…… My next career goals include….. I was impressed with your position at (company name) OR job as (job title) and wondered if you could help me look for openings similar to yours. Would you be willing to review my resume and help me build my network in the field? I am very interested in taking your advice on how to secure a full-time position and put my Lehigh degree to work. I would love to meet in person to discuss this if you have time free in the near future. I would be happy to travel to your office in Philadelphia and collect your advice on the job search process.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Your Name
Phone number
Need more help building a message for your mentor?
Use the online tool Mango that walks you through a introduction message.
Mentorship starts with questions
Mentors can help with lot of topics - start by choosing some questions you want to ask a mentor. Build these into your messages or bring questions to your in person meeting to help launch the conversation.
You can also post questions to the discussion board.
Explore careers
Can you describe a typical day at work or project?
What does a typical career path look like in your industry?
How does my academic major relate to the work you do/your industry?
How do you suggest I learn more about this field?
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? The least?
What three skills do you use most often?
I am building my spring class schedule, do you have any recommendations for classes that would prepare me for work in this field?
What type of student involvement would help me learn more about this industry?
What should I be doing to prepare for a career like yours as freshman/sophomore/junior?
How important is GPA vs research, internship, study abroad or other types of related experience?
What clubs, volunteer programs or organizations on campus/in the community should I join?
Which professional associations should I join?
What professional journals, books, and articles do you recommend I read?
Could I job shadow you to learn more about the work you do?
Could you refer me to other professionals I could talk with or job shadow?
Career Preparation:
I am building my class schedule, do you have any class recommendations for me?
What should I be doing as a freshman/sophomore/junior to prepare for a career like yours?
What kind of campus involvement would prepare me to work in this industry?
What clubs, volunteer programs or organizations on campus/in the community should I join?
Which professional associations should I join?
What professional journals, books, and articles do you recommend I read?
What kind of related experience should I build on my resume?
Could I job shadow you to learn more about the work you do?
Internships
What kind of experiences should I apply for that would relate to your industry?
If I wanted to intern with your company, what is the best way to approach the application process/hiring manager?
Do you know of any open internships within your company or another organization that I could apply to?
What are common timelines for when applications open for internships?
Would you be willing to review my resume/cover letter/application before I apply with your company?
Would you be willing to serve as a reference for me?
Could I meet with you to tour the company and meet the other members of your team/department?
What online job boards or search methods do you recommend to find internship options?
What type of questions should I be prepared for in my internship interview?
What suggestions do you have for me to maximize my internship experience?
What type of dress code should I expect during my internships?
What skills should I develop during my internship?
What type of feedback should I ask my internship manager for?
What type of out of pocket expenses should I prepare for during my internship?
Job Searching
Are specific leadership roles/skills/personality types/experiences preferred by hiring managers at your company?
What key skills or experiences should I emphasize on my resume?
What are buzz words or industry lingo that I should know or add to my resume?
What are common job titles for entry level positions in your field?
What are common timelines for when applications open, interview or offers to be made?
Would you be willing to review my resume/cover letter/application before I apply with your company?
Could I practice some interview questions with you?
Would you be willing to serve as a reference for me?
What online research should I complete or professional journals should I read?
What type of dress code should I expect to wear during a typical work day?
Could you help me better understand benefits and retirement contributions?
Do you know of any open positions with your company or another organization that I could apply to?
What job boards or websites should I visit to find open positions in your industry?
Do you have any contact or referrals to industry professionals I could contact to inquire about future openings?
Transiting to a Career:
What type of expenses should I expect the first few months of working?
Do I need to consider retirement and investment steps now?
What type of professional development opportunities should I look for?
Are there ways to make the most of my lunch break?
What tips do you have for me to adjust to 8-5 working hours?
Since I am new to commuting to the area, what do I need to know?
Are there key members of management/leadership I should meet?
What skill should I focus on developing during my first year in the industry?
How do I develop a 5 or 10 year career plan?
Are there other young professionals in the field I could meet?
What type of feedback could I expect from my supervisor about my work?
Ending and Follow up
After communicating with a mentor send a card or email right away to thank them for their time and ask to stay in contact in the future. You should follow up with via email or another meeting to let hem know how or when you took their advice, and if it was successful. Update them with new information or resume changes as you gain experience or new skills.
We are expanding the alum mentors available everyday – continue to log in and browse the network to see who could best answer your questions!
Need help with Lehigh Connects? Visit Career Lab (walk in hours) Monday- Friday, 10 am - 3 pm in Maginnes, Suite 500
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