Global Mentoring Program

The AUP Community Grows Stronger when we help and support one another.  

The Global Mentoring Program connects alumni and current students for holistic and career-based mentoring relationships. This program provides an opportunity to connect and network within the alumni community, while serving as a valuable resource for students and alumni alike as they navigate their path during and after AUP, career options, explore new industries, or consider further education options. 

Both alumni and students, including graduate, undergraduate and visiting students, can participate as mentees. Alumni mentors advise and guide mentees in setting and achieving academic, personal, and professional goals, offering insights and support. Alumni may serve as mentors and/or seek mentorship from fellow alumni.   

Thanks to my mentor, I was able to better grasp life beyond AUP — beyond school in general — and instead start to really think about ways to better prepare myself for the professional world.

I mentor because I feel passionate about sharing my knowledge, my perspective and my understanding of the world, and feel fortunate to be part of the AUP family.

For Mentors: How it works & sign up 

Alumni from all class years, as well as former students who attended AUP for a study-abroad or partnership program, are eligible to serve as mentors.  

Mentoring is an opportunity give back to the university, help students and fellow alumni, share knowledge and experience, and stay connected to the AUP community. 

Here's how it works for Alumni Mentors

 

  1. Activate Your Profile: Ensure you have an activated profile on AUP Global, the online portal for AUP alumni. If you do not have an account, proceed to global.aup.edu and click “Join Global.” If you’ve never joined before, your request will be approved once your alumni status is verified. 
  2. Submit Your Mentoring Application: Once logged into Global, navigate to the Global Mentoring application form, submit it, and wait for your mentoring profile to be approved. 
  3. Approval Notification: You will receive a notification email once your profile is approved. Your information will then appear in the Mentor Directory, making it visible to potential mentees (students or fellow alumni seeking mentorship). 
  4. Connect with Mentees: If a mentee requests to connect with you, you will receive an email notification. Log in to Global and respond promptly to any requests by navigating to the “my mentoring” area 
  5. Initial Meeting: Once matched with a mentee, they will reach out to set up the initial meeting. Use this first meeting to set expectations about the frequency and duration of your meetings, discuss goals, and get to know each other. 
  6. Utilize Available Resources: View resources, including conversational prompts, questions, and tips, from the Resource Library. 
  7. Be Mindful of Timing: You may be contacted by potential mentees at any time, but expect higher demand from current students at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Ensure your mentor profile is ready before September 2024 (fall semester) or January 2025 (spring semester) to increase your chances of receiving a request. You may also receive mentorship requests from graduate students or fellow alumni year-round. 
For Mentees: How it Works & Sign up 

Students, including both degree-seeking and visiting undergraduates as well as graduate students, can seek mentorship from AUP alumni through the Global Mentoring Program. Alumni can also participate as mentees, seeking guidance from fellow alumni. 

  • Graduate students are welcome to follow this program structure if they would like additional support, and are invited to all events as undergraduate students are. 

  • Upon completing one semester of the Global Mentoring program, undergraduate students can continue using the mentor directory to connect independently with alumni mentors. Read on to learn the participation steps. 

How it works for undergraduate and visiting students
  1. Watch the student information video and sign up by September 13, 2024. 
  2. Attend the "Lunch and Learn" event during the week of September 16. Hosted by Alumni Relations and the Careers Office, this event is a great opportunity to connect with other mentees. Information will be posted on AUP Engage.  
  3. Receive mentor matches from Alumni Relations. They will suggest alumni mentors based on your responses and share the results with you by email. 
  4. Activate your Global profile when prompted by Alumni Relations. Connect with one of your suggested mentor matches via the mentor directory platform. 
  5. Initiate contact with your mentor. Schedule your first meeting to set expectations, discuss goals, and get to know each other. 
  6. Drive the relationship: you’re in the driver’s seat, and you will get out of this program what you put in. Reflect on what you’d like to learn from your mentor, questions to ask them, goals to set, and be proactive.  
    • Use resource guides and respond promptly to your mentor's communications. 
    • Proactively set meetings, express gratitude, and keep your mentor updated on your progress, even after the semester ends. 
    • Establish a meeting schedule for the semester, aiming to meet three to five times for 30 to 60 minutes each session. Adjust the schedule as needed. 
  7. Achieve your goals and thank your mentor for their support and insight.  
  8. Wrap up at semester's end. The formal mentoring relationship can end, but you may choose to stay in touch and continue meeting if mutually desired. Don’t hesitate to keep in touch with your mentor. For instance, you can check in with them occasionally to catch up, or connect with them on LinkedIn.  
  9. Continue connecting independently. After successfully completing one semester, undergraduate students can continue using the mentor directory to network with alumni and seek mentoring. Track your progress and submit a reflection on Engage after your first GMP semester to maintain access to this resource. 

Ready? Sign up here. 

How it works for alumni and graduate student mentees
  1. Review resources and program materials from the resource library.  
  2. Log in to the AUP Global alumni portal. If you do not have an account, create one by clicking “Join portal.” Graduate students should select both their expected graduation year and “Student” for their class year cluster when creating a profile. 
  3. Explore the Mentor Directory and connect. Once logged in to AUP Global, navigate to the Global Mentoring Program mentor directory. Identify a mentor you would like to connect with and send them a request. The mentor will either accept or decline. 
  4. Meet with your mentor. Use the first meeting to set expectations for the frequency and duration of your meetings, discuss goals, and get to know each other. 
  5. Drive the relationship: use your resource guides as needed and respond promptly to communications from your mentor. Proactively set meetings, express gratitude to your mentor for their time, and keep them updated on your progress. 
  6. Wrap it up and say thanks. The program is flexible, allowing you and your mentor to decide on the parameters of the relationship. When it feels like the mentoring relationship is coming to a natural end, wrap it up using the provided guide. 

Ready? Browse the mentor directory and start connecting!  

Resource Library

These materials were invaluable in helping me make a lasting connection with my mentor. The initial meeting caused me great anxiety, but these materials allowed me to be prepared. Icebreakers and opening question suggestions allowed me to feel more connected to my mentor and better understand the relationship.

↑  This AUP student said it best ! Below are various resources to help mentors and mentees get the most out of their time together, including conversation prompts, tips and more: 

FAQs

 
Mentor FAQs
I received a request to mentor someone, but life has gotten busier and I can’t accept it right now. What do I do?

You can decline a request for mentoring if you are no longer available. You can also log into AUP global and switch your availability on and off on your mentor profile.  

I’d like to update my mentor profile with new information. How can I do that?

First make sure you are logged into AUP Global, then navigate to your mentoring area and edit your profile.  

I created a mentor profile, but I am no longer available. What should I do?

Navigate to your mentor profile and toggle your availability to “off”. You can turn it back on when you are ready.  

I want to delete my mentor profile from the database.

Please email us at alumniataup.edu with this request and a program admin will delete your profile.  

I’m trying to apply to be a mentor, but I can’t access the application form.

Make sure you have an activated AUP Global account and that you are logged in, before trying to access the application form.   

I am interested in mentoring, but I don’t think I am expert enough in my field.

Alumni from all class years and experience levels are encouraged to create mentor profiles and serve as mentors. Whether you are a recent graduate or have many years of career experience, your insights can be valuable. Examples of useful experiences you can share include navigating life after university, networking tips, transitioning between industries, applying to graduate schools, and conducting informational networking calls. 

I created a mentor profile, but nobody has contacted me for mentoring.

Ensure your mentor profile is ready before September 2024 (for the fall semester) or January 2025 (for the spring semester) to maximize your chances of receiving a request. Review our tips on creating a compelling mentor profile, and don't hesitate to contact us if you haven't received any requests for a while. Occasionally, students seek our assistance in selecting a mentor, and we can recommend your profile to those who might benefit from connecting with you.  

I’d like to meet other mentors to network, and exchange tips and best practices. How can I do that?

Mentors may join the dedicated group on AUP Global for active mentors where you can post questions and utilize the forum to connect with other group members. Participation in this is completely optional.  

I’m not located in Paris, can I be a mentor?

Yes, our alumni community spans 145 countries, creating a truly global network. While most mentor-mentee interactions will occur virtually, those residing in the same city may opt to meet in person at public venues like libraries or cafes. However, please note that meetings for the Global Mentoring Program are not allowed in private residences or otherwise restricted locations. 

Are there any events I can attend as a mentor?

Occasionally, AUP Alumni Relations may host events that mentors are invited to. They are usually located in Paris, so mentors who are Paris-based may attend.  

Can I be a mentee in addition to a mentor?

Yes, AUP alumni may seek mentorship from fellow alumni via the AUP Global mentor directory.  

I only want to be a mentor to current AUP students. Is that possible?

Yes. On your mentor application form, you are prompted to select if you are willing to mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, fellow alumni, or any combination of those cohorts. If you are contacted by someone that you are not comfortable mentoring, you can decline the request. 

I don’t think my mentee is a good fit. What should I do?

If your mentee is a current AUP student, contact us with any concerns and we will collaborate to address the issue. We encourage participants to navigate mentoring relationships with fellow alumni independently, but we are always available to provide help and support if needed. 

 
Mentee FAQs
Can I receive GPS credit for participating?

AUP students who complete one semester as a mentee should track their progress via their GPS path on AUP engage, and submit a reflection once wrapped up.  

Can I select my mentor on my own?
  • Alumni and graduate students seeking mentorship can browse the mentor directory and send requests to any mentor they are interested in connecting with.  
  • Undergraduate students must connect with a profile suggested to them by AUP Alumni Relations the first time they participate in the program. After successful completion of a first semester in the program (upon submitting your reflection on AUP Engage), it's possible to continue networking and connecting with alumni independently via the mentor directory.  
I don’t think my mentor is a good fit. What should I do?
  • Undergraduate students can reach out to Alumni Relations or their Career advisor with any concerns, and we will collaborate to address the issue.
  • Other users are encouraged to manage their relationships independently, but we are always available to provide help and support if needed. 
I am nervous about my first meeting with my mentor and am unsure of myself. What should I do?

Take some time to review our resource guides, particularly the sample agenda for your first meeting. Reflect on what you hope to gain from your mentoring relationship. If you're still feeling uncertain, reach out to your ACE career advisor for support. They can help you navigate your concerns and ease any anxieties. Remember, alumni mentors have been where you are now, and this is a valuable opportunity for both of you to connect and build a meaningful relationship within the AUP community. Enjoy the process and have fun! 

I need advice on staying in Paris. Can my mentor help with that?

Alumni mentors are not able to give immigration advice on staying in France.

Can my mentor help me get a job or internship?

While your mentor may give you valuable advice and insights to help with your job or internship search, their role is not to offer mentees a job or internship.  

Who can I contact for help?

Contact AUP Alumni Relations or your ACE career advisor at any time for questions or support at alumniataup.edu or careersataup.edu