The Duke MSS Alumni Mentorship Program aims to build meaningful, professional connections between current MSS students and alumni working across diverse industries and in academia. We match current students with alumni mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and support as students navigate academic decisions, career planning, and the transition into the workforce or into PhD programs.
If you are interested in joining as an alumni mentor or as a student mentee, please review the guidelines and apply through the links below.
Mentor Guidelines
As a mentor, your role is to guide, support, and inspire your mentee. While formal structure is minimal to allow flexibility, we recommend the following:
Commitment & Communication
- Commit to the mentorship for one academic year.
- Connect with your mentee at least once per month, virtually or in person.
- Establish preferred communication channels early (email, video calls, messaging apps).
Topics You Might Cover
- Career path exploration
- Interview and resume tips
- Navigating job or internship searches
- Networking and professional development
- Work-life balance and workplace culture
- Graduate school or PhD program considerations
Best Practices
- Be approachable, patient, and a good listener.
- Share your experiences honestly—but focus on offering support rather than instruction.
- Respect confidentiality and boundaries.
- Encourage mentee-driven conversations and goal setting.
Mentee Guidelines
As a mentee, this is your opportunity to connect with and learn from someone who has walked the path ahead of you. To get the most from your mentorship:
Commitment & Communication
- Commit to the mentorship for one academic year.
- Initiate contact and maintain consistent communication.
- Be punctual and respectful of your mentor’s time.
How to Engage Effectively
- Come prepared with questions or topics to discuss.
- Set goals for what you’d like to gain from the mentorship.
- Be open to feedback and different perspectives.
- Maintain a professional tone and attitude.
Potential Topics to Explore
- Industry-specific insights (tech, finance, government, etc.)
- Skill development and project work
- Strategies for job/internship applications
- Adjusting to life post-graduation
- Graduate school advice