Alumni Mentor Program

Since 1987, the Humphrey School Alumni Society has sponsored a mentoring program that has connected hundreds of Humphrey School students with alumni who share similar professional interests. These connections help students develop substantive knowledge in their chosen field, as well as refine strategies for finding meaningful work.

Program Overview

The mentor program connects alumni and other professionals who are friends of the Humphrey School with students who share the same areas of professional interest. By virtue of their rich experience and expertise in the field, mentors provide insight into career paths and advice about developing professional networks. Mentors report that they, too, receive something back from their protégés, whether it be a renewed inspiration to make a difference, tips about successfully using social media, an update about special University events, or just plain gratitude for the mentor’s help.

Program Timeline and Information

The mentor program begins with an orientation program for students and mentors early in the fall semester, followed by kickoff events (where mentors and students meet). The program will run through the academic year, ending in May with a year-end celebration.

Mentor Program Staff

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Students: Apply to the mentor program

First-year students and advanced students who have not previously participated may apply for the Mentor Program during the summer enrollment period. The program is open to any Humphrey student who would benefit from a local mentor focused on domestic policy/planning.

Students will complete an online orientation, then will review a list of sample mentors and identify possible mentors they feel would be the best match for their interests and state why they feel these matches would be helpful.

There is no guarantee that a student will be matched with one of their choices, but if the Alumni Mentor Committee can’t assign one of those mentors, committee members will find another mentor in the same field. Student preferences are used to guide the committee in the matching process.

To request a Mentor Program Application Form, email us at [email protected] or call us at 612-624-8162.

Students and mentors are notified of their matches in October. Kickoff events will officially begin the program in late October. The program ends in May, with a final wrap-up event in late April.

Alumni and friends: Become a mentor

The mentor program serves students in all Humphrey School degree programs who are interested in domestic policy or planning issues by matching them with local mentors in Minnesota. If you are interested in being a mentor, complete this form by August 12 or email us at [email protected].

Mentor applicants will receive additional details about the program and orientation materials. We do not guarantee that all mentor applicants will be matched since student preferences and career interests are used to guide the matching process. Students and mentors are notified of their matches in October. Kickoff events will officially begin the program in late October. The program ends in May, with a final wrap-up event in late April.