alumni mentor program – students
Established by the UCLA Alumni Scholars Club and now in its 22nd year, the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program continues to foster meaningful relationships between UCLA alumni and current UCLA undergraduate and graduate students. The connections made in this program help prepare our students for a successful future and leave a lasting impact on our campus community.
signing up
key dates
| Dates | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Oct. 1 | Students begin reviewing alumni profiles on UCLA ONE |
| Oct. 5-22 | Students review alumni profiles and request mentorship. |
| Oct. 23 | Deadline for alumni to confirm student mentorship requests. Please note: Mentors will still accept requests after this date. |
| Nov. – June | Mentors and students connect for ongoing mentorship meetings throughout the academic year. Alumni and students determine the format (e.g., phone call, in-person, video), frequency, and structure (e.g. 1:1 or group). |
how do I participate?
UCLA Alumni: Offer Mentorship for 2026-2027 UCLA Alumni Mentor Program
Follow the steps below on how to sign-up TO BE A MENTOR for the 2026-27 UCLA Alumni Mentor Program! Questions? Email us at alumnimentor@alumni.ucla.edu.
starting the mentorship
As a UCLA student, being a mentee is an opportunity to connect with an alumni mentor. Mentors can be a vital part of your career and personal development, but this is just the start of a year-long endeavor.
- Understand Program Expectations — As a participant, you agree to follow the True Bruin Values (integrity, excellence, accountability, respect) and the Principles of Community. Violations may result in removal from the program.
- Complete the Program Pre-Survey — Fill out the pre-survey so we can better understand your background, goals and needs as a mentee.
- Thank Your Mentor and Schedule Your First Meeting — Send a thank-you message to your mentor for accepting your request and take the initiative to schedule a one-hour meeting.
- Review Orientation Materials — Watch the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program Orientation Video to prepare for a productive mentorship.
- Prepare for Your First Meeting — Before meeting, be ready to discuss your goals for the mentorship, preferred communication methods (at least monthly meetings recommended), specific areas where you’d like help (résumé, interview skills, LinkedIn, etc.), ways your mentor can guide you in UCLA life, and other questions for your mentor.
- Have Your First Meeting / Mentorship Agreement — Be courteous and honest about your needs. Use the Mentorship Agreement as a guide. Prepare personal and career-related questions to get to know your mentor. Share your goals and ask if they can help you achieve them.
- Plan for Ongoing Meetings — At the end of your first meeting, agree on a schedule and communication plan. Keep your mentor updated throughout the year. Reassess monthly to ensure the mentorship is working well.
- Need a step-by-step guide on joining UCLA ONE? Please follow this guide.
Lastly, being in a mentorship takes time and care. Make sure not to ghost your mentor and remember to actively reach out to them. If you stick to your regularly established meetings, you’ll eventually find your groove. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t feel right. Students and staff are ready to address your concerns.
Please look to explore our FAQ page for commonly received program questions. For specific questions please contact alumnimentor@alumni.ucla.edu.
mentorship meetings
Building a strong mentorship relationship starts with meaningful conversations. Use these questions during your first meetings to get to know your mentor, explore your career path and gain valuable insights.
conversation starters
student life
- How did you balance schoolwork and personal life during your time at UCLA?
- What strategies helped you manage stress or stay motivated as a student?
- Were there any campus resources or organizations you found particularly helpful?
- How did your graduate experience differ from your undergraduate years?
about your mentor
- What led you to choose your current career path?
- What was your own career journey like after graduation?
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
- What challenges have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
- Are there any experiences from your time at UCLA that shaped your professional life?
about their job
- Can you describe a typical day or week in your role?
- What skills or qualities are most important for success in your job?
- What kinds of projects or responsibilities do you handle regularly?
- How do you stay current with developments in your field?
- What is the company or organization culture like?
about their career field
- What trends or changes are shaping your industry right now?
- What advice would you give to someone entering this field?
- Are there professional associations or networks you recommend joining?
- How competitive is the job market in your field?
- What alternative career paths are related to this industry?
about your career planning
- Based on what you know about me, what skills or experiences should I focus on developing?
- What internships, projects or volunteer opportunities would you recommend?
- How can I effectively build my professional network?
- What steps would you suggest I take to prepare for my job search?
- How do you recommend setting short- and long-term career goals?
personal and professional growth
- How do you maintain work-life balance?
- What habits or routines have helped you grow professionally?
- How do you approach ongoing learning and skill development?
- Can you recommend any books, podcasts or resources for professional growth?
- How do you handle setbacks or failures in your career?
As your mentorship relationship develops, engaging in meaningful activities together can deepen your connection and support your growth. Below are some ideas organized by values, interests, academics and professional goals to help guide your future meetings.
activities for future meetings
values
- Shadow your alumni mentor for a few hours or a day to see their work in action.
- Visit their workplace to get a firsthand look at the professional environment.
- Discuss diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives relevant to your career field and how you can contribute.
- Explore how your personal values align with your mentor’s and your chosen profession.
- Complete and compare results from a values or personality assessment (e.g., VIA Character Strengths, Myers-Briggs or DISC) to understand your working styles and communication preferences.
interests
- Shadow your alumni mentor for a few hours or a day to see their work in action.
- Visit their workplace to get a firsthand look at the professional environment.
- Discuss diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives relevant to your career field and how you can contribute.
- Explore how your personal values align with your mentor’s and your chosen profession.
- Complete and compare results from a values or personality assessment (e.g., VIA Character Strengths, Myers-Briggs or DISC) to understand your working styles and communication preferences.
academics
- Review and discuss your class schedule and course selections to align with career goals.
- Explore research opportunities, internships or study abroad programs that can enhance your experience.
- Seek advice on graduate school applications, thesis topics or academic challenges.
- Ask your mentor to review your academic or project work and provide feedback.
professional goals
- Set short- and long-term career goals and create a plan to achieve them.
- Practice networking skills or conduct mock interviews with your mentor.
- Discuss resume and LinkedIn profile reviews and improvements.
- Explore job shadowing or internship opportunities your mentor can connect you with.
- Develop a plan for professional development, including certifications, courses or conferences.
faq
Why should I participate as a student in the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program?
As a UCLA student, you have exclusive access to a robust network of alumni who are eager and willing to meet you and share their wisdom and advice about life beyond UCLA. The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is a unique opportunity for you to form meaningful and lasting relationships with alumni that will extend beyond campus walls. As a program participant, you’ll have a chance to request a mentor to assist you with academic guidance, career advice and personal development.
What is expected of me as a mentee?
The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is designed to engage alumni volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels. You will be paired through June 2027 with the mentor who has accepted your request for mentorship. We encourage you to connect with your mentor on a regular basis (e.g., once a month phone call, in-person meeting or email conversation). However, the frequency and form of communication are things you both can determine. Please DO NOT ask your mentor for a job or internship. The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is about building your professional network, personal development and gaining academic and career advice. This program is not a direct pipeline to a job or internship, though it can often help with opportunities in the future.
How long is the commitment?
The commitment as a student mentee lasts until June 2027. Students can review profiles and send requests to their preferred mentor. Alumni will review your request(s) and confirm/select student mentee(s) through the UCLA ONE site. Once this happens you will be officially part of the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program.
How will a mentor match be made?
Is there a limit to how many mentor requests I can send?
You are only allowed to send one mentor request. Make sure to review alumni profiles carefully and send your request to the alumnus who best fits your interests and career goals.
I reached out to someone, and did not receive a response. What should I do?
We ask that you give alumni enough time to respond, typically two to three days. Keep in mind that mentors are busy with their professions and personal lives, so please be considerate of their time. If you do not receive a mentorship request acceptance, please do not send a follow-up message asking alumni if they received your request and would like to be your mentor. Just go ahead and cancel your request, and make a new request to another potential mentor. You may contact alumnimentor@alumni.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
The mentor I was interested in connecting with, now no longer is willing to help?
What if I want to continue my mentor/mentee match beyond the academic year?
You are welcome to stay connected with your mentor as long as they are willing and able to help.
Are events and program activities mandatory?
Events and programs are not required. The great thing about this program is that your mentorship connection can be carried out as both of you see fit. However, we do encourage you to attend as many program events as possible, both in person and virtual, to build a strong connection with your mentor.
Can I request a mentor who lives outside of Los Angeles?
How do I sign up to be a mentee?
It is quick and simple to sign up to be a mentee. Please follow these steps above to sign up on UCLA ONE.
What if I'm a graduate student? Woudl this program still be helpful for me?
As a graduate student the Alumni Mentor Program can be a priceless opportunity for personal and professional growth. Alumni mentors can bring a wealth of real-world experiences and insights that can guide you through the transition from academia to the professional world.
Their knowledge can help you navigate the job market, make informed career decisions and expand your Bruin network. Alumni mentors also have established connections in various industries, which can be beneficial in opening doors for internships, job opportunities or even research collaborations.
Whether you are in a master’s or doctoral program, the Alumni Mentor Program can be an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and the real world, setting you up for a successful future.