A.S.K. an Alum! 

Many BVU alumni are committed to assisting you in reaching your career goals. Alumni who have joined the Alumni Mentoring Network have volunteered to assist you in one or more of these ways - offering general career or grad school advice, offering an informational interview, resume critique, possible job shadowing, assisting with an internship search, or doing a mock (practice) interview.

Search:

• On your CCN main page scroll down to the Career Mentoring Network section (in red letters). Click on Search for mentors.
• Enter the password, which is beaver.
• Search by job title, job type, or by state. For a complete list of all participating mentors, leave all fields blank and click on Begin Search.

Once you've decided who interests you, click on their name. You'll be able to read their profile, and find out what kinds of mentoring activities they volunteered for. You'll then be directed to the next page where you can send your first message.

Questions about getting started? Email careerservices@bvu.edu.

Contact the mentor:

In your first message, introduce yourself by describing briefly what you're studying, the year you expect to graduate, your interests, and related activities. State clearly and concisely what your needs, goals and interests are. Explain briefly why you chose them from among the mentors available. Don't "bombard" them with questions in your first message! Suggest you keep the first message fairly short. For example:

Dear Ms. or Mr. _____: Hello! I am a junior at BV majoring in media studies. I have a special interest in becoming a television producer. I have been actively involved in the University Cable Network, and have just produced my first TV show here at BV.

Your profile on CCN was particularly interesting to me because I see you have worked in both radio and TV and are currently managing a radio station. I wonder if you would be willing to answer some questions for me about the broadcast business. I look forward to hearing from you soon.  Thank you. Susan B. Vista.

Suggested questions to ask (after first reply):

• Decide what it is you most want to know from them. Ask general questions about their field, for instance, what are the current trends or issues in the field? Do I need an advanced degree?
• You can ask questions that would be inappropriate to ask in a job interview, for instance, what is an average starting salary in this field? How long should I stay in an entry-level position?
• Mentors can also answer questions about how to begin a career in this field and what to expect, for instance, what kinds of entry-level positions are available? What does an average workday look like? What skills or work experiences should you highlight in an interview?

Do's and don'ts:

• Do be patient. Your mentor may not respond right away. (Busy professionals often save their personal emails til the weekend.)
• Do not use "text message spelling" with your mentor. He or she may not be up to date with the latest shortcuts to communicating.
• Although your mentor is a professional who can help you network, DO NOT expect your mentor to find you a job at his or her place of employment! It is inappropriate to ask your mentor for a job.
• Be sure to thank the mentor for his/her assistance and demonstrate respect in your communications.
• Listen to what the mentor can offer you, and follow through on what you say you will do.
• Keep the mentor informed of the outcome of any contact(s) you make that came about from your relationship.

Benefits:

Mentors can provide an insider's perspective on specific industries and fields. Mentors can also give you feedback on your resume, make suggestions for other professionals to contact, and offer leads to jobs or internships. The possibilities are endless.

For more assistance with your mentoring relationship or questions that arise, contact BVU Career Services: careerservices@bvu.edu or stop in the office in the West wing of the Harold Walter Siebens Forum.