Welcome to the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program (AMP)! As a UCLA graduate student, being a mentee is an opportunity to connect with an Alumni Mentor who can help you. Mentors can be a vital part of your career and personal development, but this is just the start of a long-term endeavor.

As a participant of the Mentor Program, you are agreeing to abide by the tenets of the True Bruin values (integrity, excellence, accountability and respect) and the Principles of Community. If you do not abide by these principles, you will be removed from the program.

Below are next steps for you as you begin your mentorship.

1. Fill out our program pre-survey.
2. If you have not done so already, thank your mentor for their acceptance, and set up a time to meet for an hour.
3. Take a moment to watch the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program Orientation Video and review the Making the Most of Your Mentorship worksheet.
4. Prior to this meeting:
   1. Prepare the following topics:
      1. Your goals for the mentorship
      2. Your preferred communication methods (we recommend setting regular meetings at least once a month, and then having additional meetings as needed)
      3. What aspects of your professional toolkit could you use your mentor’s help on (résumé, interview skills, LinkedIn profiles, etc.)?
      4. What aspects of UCLA life could you ask your mentor for help on?
      5. Other specific questions for your first meeting
   2. Offer to set up the first meeting.
5. During the meeting,
   1. Be courteous, yet honest. However, don’t assume that your mentor can do everything you’re hoping.
   2. Use the Mentorship Agreement as a guide for your conversation.
   3. Prepare questions to get to know your mentor (favorite UCLA class, favorite hobby during the pandemic, ways they stay sane, etc.).
   4. Share your goals for the mentorship and get your mentor’s opinion on whether they can help you.
6. After the meeting, set up a plan for your future meetings. Keep your mentor looped in throughout the year and take stock of your mentorship each month to decide how you want to move forward.

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. As you face obstacles, you can reach out to the Alumni Mentor Program staff at alumnimentor@alumni.ucla.edu with any concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t feel right. Students and staff are ready to address your concerns.

Go Bruins!

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program Staff (Haley Krakoski and Gloria Ko)