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Mentoring

Mentoring can help you think bigger, open up networks, and develop skills to achieve your personal and professional goals. Defined as a trusted advising relationship, mentorship takes all shapes and forms. It is a series of key interactions with others where we emerge with new skills, confidence, and knowledge.

Mentoring can range from long-term structured relationships to shorter, flash mentoring conversations. It can begin with a focus on professional networking, or with providing support around identity or to a peer. Whatever form it takes, research shows that the benefits of mentoring are great, and are enjoyed by mentors and mentees alike. These types of initiatives have established outcomes in terms of improved career satisfaction, better job placement, increased student retention, and enhanced alumni engagement.

Find a Duke Alumni Mentor

The best mentoring relationships are often those that develop organically from what starts as a casual conversation. Follow these three simple steps to start connecting with potential mentors today!

Step 1: Reflect on your goals, dreams, and what you hope to get out of a mentoring relationship.

Step 2: Identify and reach out to people who have already done what you want to do. Consider, but don’t limit yourself to those who share your identity or background (you never know who you might connect with!).

Step 3:  Set up some conversations or informational interviews. 

Be a Duke Alumni Mentor

Mentoring other Duke alumni or students is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. In fact, the best mentors view their mentoring relationships as central to their own success!

Step 1:  Reflect on your goals and the type of mentor you want to be. 

Step 2:  Make yourself available for students and alumni to reach out to you.

  • Update your profile on the Alumni Directory. Make sure to complete the ‘Contact Me About’ section of your profile.

  • Sign up to be contacted as a potential mentor for Ask A Blue Devil or a mentoring program.

  • Sign up to be considered as a campus speaker in the classroom or with clubs.

Step 3:  View a list of structured mentoring programs at Duke.

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