Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä – FAQs

General ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä Questions

What is the Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä?

The Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä connects ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä with alumni, professionals, and community leaders who volunteer their time to mentor ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä. The program helps ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä develop career skills, set goals, and navigate the transition from college to the workforce.

Why was this program created?

The program was created to support ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä in achieving academic and career success through mentorship. Many Florida Atlantic ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä are the first in their families to attend college and benefit from guidance from experienced professionals.

Who can participate as a mentor?

Mentors may include:

  • FAU alumni
  • Industry professionals
  • Community leaders
  • Individuals interested in supporting student success

Mentors are matched with undergraduate or graduate ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä based on interests, background, and availability.

When will I be matched?

You will receive your formal mentoring match in August! If you would like to be matched earlier, and are available in the summer, please let us know your preference at presidentialmentor@fau.edu

Steps:

  • Sign up and then complete the matching survey.
  • Successfully complete the required mentoring training.
  • Watch for instructions from Hire Right about the online background check.
  • After the background check is successfully completed, you can expect to receive a mentee shortly thereafter.

Mentor Commitment

How much time does mentoring require?

Mentors are asked to commit approximately one hour per week to connect with their student, set goals, track progress, and provide guidance.

What support do mentors receive?

Mentors receive:

  • A short orientation or training session (options available in-person and virtually)
  • Access to a mentoring toolkit and resources
  • Support from a program coordinator throughout the mentoring relationship.

What kinds of topics do mentors discuss with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä?

Mentors typically support ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä with:

  • Career exploration and professional development
  • Networking and industry insight
  • Academic goal setting
  • Confidence building and personal development
  • Navigating college and preparing for the workforce

Student Impact

How does mentorship benefit ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä?

Research and program outcomes show that mentoring can help ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä:

  • Stay enrolled and persist toward graduation
  • Increase engagement with campus resources
  • Build confidence and professional skills

Why is mentorship important at FAU?

At Florida Atlantic:

  • About one-third of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä are first-generation college ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä
  • Around 40% come from low-income households

Mentorship helps provide guidance and support that many ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä may not otherwise have access to.

Getting Involved

How do I become a mentor?

Interested mentors can click learn more and complete the matching survey for the program that best fits them! The program team will follow up with the next steps and match mentors with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä based on shared interests and experience.

How are mentors matched with ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä?

Matches are made based on:

  • Professional background
  • Career interests
  • Availability
  • Personal interests or experiences

The goal is to create meaningful mentoring relationships that support student success.

Do mentors need previous mentoring experience?

No. Previous mentoring experience is helpful but not required. Orientation and resources are provided to support mentors throughout the program.