Professional Mentoring Program

Professional Mentoring Program

Purpose

The Department of Computer Science at East Carolina University offers this mentoring program to pair selected student mentees with professional mentors. The program aims to foster the professional development of computer science students by providing them with industry-specific advice and guidance. Through this mentorship, students can better prepare themselves to achieve their long-term career goals.

Structure

The Professional Mentoring Program spans the entire academic year. Mentor/mentee pairings are made on a rollingbasis as applications are received. The program typically begins in August and concludes in April. Pairings are determined based on the preferences and interests provided by both mentors and mentees.

Mentors may choose to work with a single student or mentor a group of students concurrently, depending on their preferences. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet at least once a month, with flexibility based on their schedules.

Mid-year check-ins will take place in December to assess progress and address any needed adjustments. The program’s overall goal is to provide students with professional guidance, career insights and networking opportunities through a structured mentorship experience.

Responsibilities of Mentors and Mentees

Mentor

Mentors play a key role in sharing industry knowledge and offering guidance based on their professional experience. Asa mentor, you will serve as a valuable resource to help mentees navigate the professional landscape in the computer science field.

• Commit to regular meetings and ongoing communication with the mentee throughout the program.
• Assist mentees in setting and achieving career and professional development goals.
• Provide insights into industry expectations and potential career
• Offer constructive feedback on the mentee’s skills and competencies.
• Act as a role model and provide encouragement to help mentees build confidence in their future within the computer science industry.

Mentors are expected to initiate the first contact with their mentee(s) once pairings have been assigned. From there, the mentor and mentee should discuss and agree on the specifics of their mentoring relationship, adjusting as needed throughout the program.

If a mentor needs to withdraw from the mentoring relationship or the program, they should notify the mentoring program coordinator.

Mentee

Mentees are selected by the Mentoring Program Committee from a pool of applicants. The committee also makes the decision to pair the mentors and the mentees.

After pairings are assigned, mentees are responsible for initiating regular communication with their mentors (except for the first contact, which is initiated by the mentor). The recommended frequency of communication is once or twice per month, though mentees and mentors can agree on a different arrangement. Mentees and mentors can also decide onpreferred modes of communication.

• Commit to regular meetings and follow-up communication with your mentor for the duration of the program.
• Proactively contact your mentor and schedule meetings.
• Be respectful of your mentor’s time and schedule.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with your mentor.
• Come prepared for meetings with an agenda or discussion topics.
• Be open and receptive to the advice and feedback provided by your mentor.
• Participate in the program’s closure process by submitting a reflection document at the end of the program.This document should outline your progress toward your goals and reflect on your experience, and it will be shared with the mentoring program coordinator.

If a mentee wishes to withdraw from the mentoring relationship or the mentoring program, the mentee must consult with the mentoring program coordinator.

If you would like to become a mentee, please fill out the form. Please pay attention to the due date on the form!

Contact the Mentoring Program Coordinators (Jennifer Andriot or Alex Vilkomir) for more information.