Lerner Executive Mentoring Program
The Lerner Executive Mentoring Program matches Lerner students with executives whose professional backgrounds are complementary to the students’ career objectives. Mentorships have resulted in an increase in student confidence in entering the workforce, expansion of networks and overall professional growth. Students are matched 1:1 with mentors at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters (September and February timeframes).
Our impact reports show how the Executive Mentoring Program benefits both mentees and mentors.
Joining the Program
Students:
Sophomore students through Graduate/MBA students in a Lerner College major who have two or more semesters of classes remaining are eligible to participate in this program. Learn more and register at the myLerner Executive Mentoring Program pages.
Mentors:
The program is looking for mentors who have 10 or more years of progressive career experience and passion to help our students succeed. If you’re interested in joining the program as a mentor, complete the mentor registration form. You can also download our flyer for mentors (PDF).
Sample Monthly Meeting Activities
- Resume & LinkedIn profile review / interview training
- Discussing career objectives and professional goals
- Networking with the mentor’s colleagues
- Internship and job search strategies
- Attending a virtual conference or business meeting together
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Mentee FAQs
How long is the program?
You will be paired with the same mentor for the duration of the mentoring program – through your graduation.
Why should I consider participating?
As a student mentee, you will benefit by receiving guidance toward your professional goals through graduation and beyond, building and strengthening your professional networks and preparing to enter the workforce.
Am I required to meet my mentor in person?
No. We encourage mentors and student mentees to develop a communication engagement strategy that best fits the relationship. Meetings with your mentor can be held in person or via phone or video calls.
What are examples of discussion topics?
A few examples of mentor/mentee discussion topics include: specific goals and objectives for the academic year, career objectives, how to network, and the student’s resume. Additional resources for mentees include The Mentee’s Guide (PDF) and 75 Things To Do With Your Mentees (PDF).
Is this a formal program?
Yes, the mentoring program is managed by Lerner Career Services and there are specific commitments and expectations for program participants.
Is this an internship program?
No, this is not an internship program. Student mentees should not expect that they will receive an internship or job offer through this program.
What is the time commitment involved?
As mentoring relationships can take many forms, we encourage mentors and student mentees to develop a communication engagement strategy that best fits the relationship. This being said, the expectation is that student mentees communicate with their assigned mentor at least once a month through the student’s graduation.
How are mentors and student mentees matched?
Mentors and student mentees answer interest and preference questions during the program registration, and those answers are then used to match mentors and students.
Are all mentors UD alumni?
No, not all mentors are UD alumni, however, our mentors come with 10 or more years of progressive career experience and passion to help our students succeed.
Where are mentors located?
Many of our mentors live and work in the Northeastern states, while other mentors are located in states across the country. Student mentees can select a preference of location for where their mentor works during the registration process.
You will be paired with the same mentor for the duration of the mentoring program – through your graduation.
Why should I consider participating?
As a student mentee, you will benefit by receiving guidance toward your professional goals through graduation and beyond, building and strengthening your professional networks and preparing to enter the workforce.
Am I required to meet my mentor in person?
No. We encourage mentors and student mentees to develop a communication engagement strategy that best fits the relationship. Meetings with your mentor can be held in person or via phone or video calls.
What are examples of discussion topics?
A few examples of mentor/mentee discussion topics include: specific goals and objectives for the academic year, career objectives, how to network, and the student’s resume. Additional resources for mentees include The Mentee’s Guide (PDF) and 75 Things To Do With Your Mentees (PDF).
Is this a formal program?
Yes, the mentoring program is managed by Lerner Career Services and there are specific commitments and expectations for program participants.
Is this an internship program?
No, this is not an internship program. Student mentees should not expect that they will receive an internship or job offer through this program.
What is the time commitment involved?
As mentoring relationships can take many forms, we encourage mentors and student mentees to develop a communication engagement strategy that best fits the relationship. This being said, the expectation is that student mentees communicate with their assigned mentor at least once a month through the student’s graduation.
How are mentors and student mentees matched?
Mentors and student mentees answer interest and preference questions during the program registration, and those answers are then used to match mentors and students.
Are all mentors UD alumni?
No, not all mentors are UD alumni, however, our mentors come with 10 or more years of progressive career experience and passion to help our students succeed.
Where are mentors located?
Many of our mentors live and work in the Northeastern states, while other mentors are located in states across the country. Student mentees can select a preference of location for where their mentor works during the registration process.
Mentor FAQs
Is the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program a formal program?
Yes, the mentoring program is managed by Lerner Career Services and there are specific commitments and expectations for program participants.
How long is the program?
Mentors are paired with the same student mentee for the duration of the mentoring program – through the student’s graduation.
I do not live in Delaware. Can I still be a mentor?
Yes! In fact, many of our mentors live and work outside of Delaware.
I did not graduate from UD. Can I still register to be a mentor?
Yes! We welcome your participation as long as you have 10 or more years of progressive career experience and passion to help our Lerner students succeed.
Why should I consider serving as a mentor?
Our mentors establish a closer relationship with the University of Delaware and the Lerner College. They serve as role models by using their coaching skills and sharing expertise through developmental activities to prepare student mentees to enter the workforce.
Am I required to meet my student mentee in person?
No. Monthly meetings with your student mentee can be held in person or via phone or video call.
What are examples of discussion topics?
A few examples of mentor/mentee discussion topics include: specific goals and objectives for the academic year, career objectives, how to network, and the student’s resume. Additional suggestions for monthly discussion topics can be found in The Mentor’s Guide (PDF) and 75 Things To Do With Your Mentees (PDF).
What is the time commitment involved?
As mentoring relationships can take many forms, we encourage mentors and student mentees to develop a communication engagement strategy that best fits the relationship. This being said, the expectation is that mentors communicate with their assigned student mentee at least once a month through the student’s graduation.
Are the student mentees undergraduate or graduate students?
The Lerner Executive Mentoring Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Mentors can select a preference for an undergrad or graduate student during registration.
How are mentors and student mentees matched?
Mentors and student mentees answer interest and preference questions during the program registration, and those answers are then used to match mentors and students.
Can I refer friends and colleagues to register as a mentor?
Yes! Please refer them to this web page for details about the program.
Yes, the mentoring program is managed by Lerner Career Services and there are specific commitments and expectations for program participants.
How long is the program?
Mentors are paired with the same student mentee for the duration of the mentoring program – through the student’s graduation.
I do not live in Delaware. Can I still be a mentor?
Yes! In fact, many of our mentors live and work outside of Delaware.
I did not graduate from UD. Can I still register to be a mentor?
Yes! We welcome your participation as long as you have 10 or more years of progressive career experience and passion to help our Lerner students succeed.
Why should I consider serving as a mentor?
Our mentors establish a closer relationship with the University of Delaware and the Lerner College. They serve as role models by using their coaching skills and sharing expertise through developmental activities to prepare student mentees to enter the workforce.
Am I required to meet my student mentee in person?
No. Monthly meetings with your student mentee can be held in person or via phone or video call.
What are examples of discussion topics?
A few examples of mentor/mentee discussion topics include: specific goals and objectives for the academic year, career objectives, how to network, and the student’s resume. Additional suggestions for monthly discussion topics can be found in The Mentor’s Guide (PDF) and 75 Things To Do With Your Mentees (PDF).
What is the time commitment involved?
As mentoring relationships can take many forms, we encourage mentors and student mentees to develop a communication engagement strategy that best fits the relationship. This being said, the expectation is that mentors communicate with their assigned student mentee at least once a month through the student’s graduation.
Are the student mentees undergraduate or graduate students?
The Lerner Executive Mentoring Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Mentors can select a preference for an undergrad or graduate student during registration.
How are mentors and student mentees matched?
Mentors and student mentees answer interest and preference questions during the program registration, and those answers are then used to match mentors and students.
Can I refer friends and colleagues to register as a mentor?
Yes! Please refer them to this web page for details about the program.
An Introduction to the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program
In this video, you’ll learn more about the value of the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program to students and mentors. Watch the video
News
What It Means to be a Mentor - Lerner Executive Mentoring Program participants share their advice for building a mentoring relationship.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Anne Magloire Anaba - Anne Magloire Anaba is a full time MBA candidate studying business analytics at UD’s Lerner College. Magloire Anaba shared how this program has impacted her and what she plans to do next.
Lerner Graduate Student Stories: Larynette Ndah - Larynette Ndah is an MBA in corporate finance and entrepreneurial studies candidate at UD’s Lerner College. Ndah shared how this program has impacted her and what she plans to do next.
Student and Mentor Testimonials
“I can certainly see my mentor and I talking for the rest of my time at UD and most likely beyond.”
“The Lerner Executive Mentoring Program is best in class.”
“I have really enjoyed this program this semester. I believe the tips my mentor has given has helped secure an internship.”
“My mentor is awesome. I was a little hesitant to initially sign up [because] I have a decent amount of work experience. My mentor is helping me with my leadership abilities, helping to uncover my passions and working with me to potentially switch career industries.”
“The mentoring program is a great way to give back to the University. It provides another way to help prepare UD students for success in finding the right career opportunity and provide perspectives on keys to success in a job.”
Contact
Libby Cusack | Program Manager
lcusack@udel.edu