UCLA Alumni Mentor Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program (AMP) offers a unique opportunity for both alumni and students to connect, grow, and contribute to the Bruin community. For alumni, it's a chance to give back, share their expertise, and shape the next generation of leaders. For students, it's a chance to gain invaluable insights, explore career paths, and navigate the challenges of university life with the support of experienced professionals. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the program, its benefits, and how to make the most of the mentorship experience.

Introduction to the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program has, for 20 years, connected current students and recent graduates with alumni mentors in their respective fields. This initiative provides valuable insights and guidance, fostering personal and professional development. Whether you're an undergraduate seeking academic guidance or a graduate student aiming to transition from academia to the professional world, the AMP offers a robust network of alumni eager to share their wisdom and experience.

Benefits for Students (Mentees)

As a UCLA undergraduate or graduate student, you have exclusive access to a robust network of alumni who are eager and willing to meet you and share their wisdom and advice about life beyond UCLA. Participating undergraduate students can benefit from academic guidance, career advice and personal development throughout their mentorship. Graduate students can gain invaluable insight into their industries, tips for maximizing their research and advice for transitioning from academia to the job field. Mentors can open doors, introduce you to different people and offer first hand perspectives you may not have.

Academic and Career Guidance: Mentors can provide advice on course selection, research opportunities, and career paths aligned with your interests and goals.
Industry Insights: Gain invaluable knowledge about specific industries, current trends, and the skills needed to succeed.
Networking Opportunities: Mentors can introduce you to their professional networks, expanding your connections and opening doors to internships and job opportunities.
Personal Development: Mentors can offer support and encouragement as you navigate the challenges of university life and prepare for your future career.
Transitioning from Academia: Graduate students can receive tailored advice on maximizing their research, networking within their field, and transitioning into the job market.

Benefits for Alumni (Mentors)

Mentoring is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits for alumni:

Giving Back to the UCLA Community: Share your knowledge and experience to help shape the next generation of Bruins.
Professional Development: Enhance your leadership and communication skills through the mentoring process.
Networking: Connect with current students and other alumni, expanding your professional network.
Personal Satisfaction: Experience the fulfillment of helping someone achieve their goals and make a difference in their life.
Staying Connected: Maintain a strong connection with UCLA and its vibrant community.

Program Expectations and Guidelines

All participants in the Alumni Mentor Program are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

True Bruin Values: Uphold the tenets of the True Bruin values (integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect) in all interactions.
Principles of Community: Abide by the Principles of Community, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Honest Communication: Be open and honest in your communication, expressing your needs and concerns clearly.
Commitment: Dedicate the time and effort necessary to build a meaningful mentoring relationship.
Respect: Treat your mentor or mentee with respect and consideration, valuing their time and perspective.

Getting Started: First Steps for Mentors

Thank you for signing up to be an alumni mentor for a UCLA graduate student. By accepting your student mentee(s), you have chosen to embark on an exciting year of mentorship.

Review the Mentorship Agreement: Familiarize yourself with the program guidelines and expectations outlined in the Mentorship Agreement.
Watch the Orientation Video: Gain a better understanding of the program and its goals by watching the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program Orientation Video.
Review the Worksheet: Take a moment to review the Making the Most of Your Mentorship worksheet.
Initial Contact: Reach out to your mentee to schedule your first meeting.
First Conversation: As you connect with your mentee(s), this is a critical time to determine if you are indeed a good fit. Be honest in your availability and expertise, and if there is not an alignment, be honest with what you are able to provide.
Assess the Fit: Use the initial conversations to determine if the mentorship is a good fit for both you and your mentee.

The First Meeting: Setting the Foundation

For students it is important to have your first meeting, using the Mentorship Agreement as a guide - be courteous and honest about your needs. Prepare personal and career-related questions to get to know your mentor.

The first meeting is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for the mentoring relationship. Here are some key topics to address:

Introductions: Get to know each other's backgrounds, interests, and goals.
Expectations: Discuss your expectations for the mentorship and what you hope to achieve.
Goals: Collaboratively define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the mentorship.
Communication: Agree on a schedule and communication plan that works for both of you. Discussions can happen in person, over zoom, or over text, whatever works best for the both of you.
Mentorship Agreement: Review the Mentorship Agreement together to ensure a shared understanding of the program guidelines.

Maintaining a Successful Mentorship

Lastly, being in a mentorship takes time and care. Make sure not to ghost your mentor and remember to actively reach out to them. If you stick to your regularly established meetings, you’ll eventually find your groove.

Regular Communication: Maintain consistent communication through scheduled meetings, emails, or phone calls.
Active Listening: Listen attentively to your mentor or mentee, showing empathy and understanding.
Honest Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to help your mentor or mentee grow and develop.
Proactive Engagement: Take initiative in the mentoring relationship, seeking out opportunities to learn and contribute.
Flexibility: Be adaptable and willing to adjust your approach as the mentoring relationship evolves.

Addressing Challenges and Seeking Support

While this is just the beginning of a long-term endeavor, there will be situations where the mentorship feels stagnated. Do not hesitate to reach out to our staff if you find that you need assistance in reaching your student or working through an obstacle. We will be sending out monthly e-newsletters with resources and mentorship ideas. We encourage you to be honest if things aren’t going as you thought and to find compromise as you move forward.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Despite best efforts, challenges may arise during the mentorship. Here's how to address them:

Open Communication: Discuss any concerns or issues openly and honestly with your mentor or mentee.
Compromise: Be willing to compromise and find solutions that work for both of you.
Program Staff Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to the Alumni Mentor Program staff for assistance in resolving conflicts or navigating obstacles.
Re-evaluation: If the mentorship is not a good fit, you may discontinue the mentorship on UCLA ONE. If a student is truly not a fit, you can cancel the mentorship on UCLA ONE and work with a different student.

Stories of Mentorship: Real-World Impact

The impact of the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is best illustrated through the stories of those who have participated.

One such story involves a first-year transfer student who found the new academic and social environment at UCLA challenging. Her alumni mentor, Maddie Markay, played a pivotal role in helping her transition smoothly and guide her on a path towards success. Maddie also transferred to UCLA and they share the same major, so she has been an incredible resource. Her guidance did not stop there. She introduced her to various campus resources, clubs, and internships that have been extremely beneficial to her overall academic experience. She could not be more grateful for her knowledge, advice, and shared life experiences.

Another example is Tiffany, who went above and beyond-not just as a mentor, but as someone who truly sees and supports the whole person. Unlike the typical resume edits or interview prep, the very first thing Tiffany guided her mentee through was a process she calls vision setting. Together, they explored her interests, inspirations, goals, dream job descriptions, favorite creative activities, and even what she love most about UCLA and being a student. She remembered every detail and used those insights to help her make decisions aligned with who she truly is-not just what would look good on paper. As a fellow Asian American woman, her encouragement to follow what she wants rather than what’s expected was especially meaningful.

These stories highlight the transformative power of mentorship and the lasting impact it can have on the lives of both mentors and mentees.

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Advice from a Bruin: Connie Lou Corbridge

Connie Lou Corbridge, a UCLA alumna from the class of 1998 with a degree in Communication Studies, shares her insights as both a mentee and a mentor. After practicing law for almost 2 decades, she is now teaching legal writing, analysis, and Research at UCLA School of Law.

She emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mentorship. Discussions can happen in person, over Zoom, or over text, whatever works best for the both of you. Second, there is no question too big or small to ask your mentor. Lastly, even just learning about your mentors journey could help guide you with yours.

Resources and Support

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program provides a variety of resources to support mentors and mentees:

FAQ Page: Explore the FAQ page for answers to commonly received program questions.
Monthly E-newsletters: Receive monthly e-newsletters with resources and mentorship ideas.
Program Staff: Contact the program staff for assistance with any questions or concerns.
UCLA ONE: Utilize the UCLA ONE platform to manage your mentorship and connect with other participants.

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