Program

This mentoring program connects alumni exclusively with students in the College of Natural Sciences, which includes majors in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Earth Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Mentorship offers many opportunities — promoting career and scholarly success, helping in career exploration, and building important, lasting relationships with others. 

These are the goals of the NatSci Mentoring Program:

  • Foster Meaningful Connections: Establish authentic relationships between alumni mentors and students, creating a supportive environment for guidance and advice.
  • Provide Career Guidance: Alumni mentors offer valuable career advice and insights to help students make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.
  • Develop Professional Skills: Enhance students’ professional skills through guidance on networking, resume building, interview preparation, and professional etiquette.
  • Expand Professional Networks: Facilitate networking opportunities with alumni mentors and industry professionals to broaden students’ professional connections and opportunities.

Overview of the Program:

Each student will be matched with one dedicated mentor;  an alumnus/a whose professional experience aligns with the student's field of interest.

Timeline: 

  • Application Window: 
    • Mentors: 09/01/2025 - 10/01/2025
    • Mentees: 09/22/2025 - 10/07/2025
  • Mentee Favoriting: 10/07/2025 - 10/14/2025
    • Registered students will have one week to "favorite" the top 3 mentors they would most like to be matched with. 
    • If students don’t favorite, they won’t be guaranteed a match
  • Training: Read mentor or mentee training handbook prior to match day
  • Match Day:  10/15/2025
  • Monthly Connections: October 2025 - April 2026 
  • Closing Day: 04/30/2026

Things to Note:

  • Participants will be selected based on responses to the registration questions, so please be as thorough as possible in your responses. Incomplete profiles will not be considered for matching. 
  • Matching will be based on a combination of factors, including preferences selected by mentees, shared interests, and background identified in the program registration questions.
  • You will receive an email notification once you are matched with your mentor or mentee. 


JOIN THE PROGRAM

FOR MENTEES (STUDENTS):

Who's eligible to join as a Mentee?
  • All current students who have declared a Natural Science major.
Why participate? You will gain a professional resource who will help to expand your knowledge and skills, give you valuable advice, and work to build and expand your professional network. Your mentor is an advocate who will encourage you to set and achieve goals, can teach you about career options and possibilities, and provide industry insights.

What is required of me as a mentee?
  • Connect monthly with your mentor virtually and/or in person.
  • Take initiative by scheduling meetings and arriving prepared. Show a genuine interest, and ask questions.
  • Take a look at the suggested goals and resources to help you guide your mentorship (and/or create your own!). At the end of the month, complete the goal that indicates you had your mentee-mentor meeting.
  • Demonstrate professionalism by being timely, open to feedback, expressing a willingness to learn, and following through on commitments.
Apply Today! Click the green "Join Program" button and complete the registration questions. 

Once your registration is approved, you will receive a welcome email and gain access to the resources and discussion board in the program.

FOR MENTORS (ALUMNI)

Who's eligible to join as a Mentor?
  • Alumni who graduated from the College of Natural Sciences; and who have professional experience and a willingness to help current students develop skills and achieve goals
Why participate? Mentoring can be a fun and rewarding experience! You have the opportunity to advise, influence and support students on their university and career journey. You'll find that your own career, too, can be enhanced by the time and effort you put into a mentoring relationship as you hone your coaching skills and become familiar with the new generation entering the workforce.

What is required of me as a mentor?
  • Connect monthly with your mentee virtually and/or in person.
  • Expose your mentee to potential career opportunities (via research, informational interviews, job shadow, professional organizations and networks etc.).
  • Help your mentee set and achieve goals.
  • Provide constructive feedback to enhance your mentee's professionalism and preparedness.
  • Share examples of success and failure from your own experience.

Apply Today! Click the green "Join Program" button and complete the registration questions. 

Once your registration is approved, you will receive a welcome email and gain access to the resources and discussion board in the program.


QUESTIONS? Please email Joel Thomas at thomasjh@plu.edu.