LRS 1500 - UNDER WING ALUMNI MENTORING PROGRAM

The focus of the program is to provide our students with a valuable professional development opportunity during their undergraduate college experience. By connecting students directly with alumni, the program provides real-time career mentoring and opportunities for students while showing them the value of the Elmira College alumni network. Additionally, the UnderWing Alumni Mentor program increases alumni engagement and philanthropic support while improving current students’ persistence to graduation. 

In preparation of the alumni connection, students participate in a series of professional workshops offered by the Office of Career Services, a subdivision of CAPE. The workshops guide students through the process of drafting resumes and cover letters, participating in mock interviews and developing a LinkedIn professional networking profile. Students also participate in the Beyond the Books: Soaring to Professional Success etiquette networking event and dinner and are offered a professional headshot.

After the students complete the preparatory workshops and training, they are matched with alumni mentors in their career fields to conduct informational and mock interviews. Alumni interactions can also include job shadowing, internships, or general career advice. Some alumni mentors will be invited to present in academic panels, either individually or as part of an alumni group. Objectives: A) Construct a professional resume and cover letter; B) Develop a professional LinkedIn account and schedule a professional headshot to be taken; C) Participate in a mock interview with a member of the Office of Career Services, a subdivision of CAPE; D) Attend the Beyond the Books: Soaring to Professional Success networking event and demonstrate proper business dinner etiquette; E) Develop and sustain a professional relationship with an Elmira College Alumni mentor.  Method of Instruction: Lecture, discussion, and workshop participation.