Networking and Mentorship

This professional mentorship program supports female identifying students in degree pathways for computer science, pre-engineering, construction management, and criminal justice. Student mentees are awarded a stipend after successful completion of the program. Mentors and mentees meet 1:1 each month and also gather as a group regularly to discuss topics related self-advocacy, self-promotion, and empowerment. 

Be Bold, Break the Mold applications may be submitted mid/late August for the upcoming academic year. Check out the BBBM Application Form for more information and to apply to the program. 

Career networking involves tapping into personal, professional, academic, and familial contacts to assist with job search and career growth. Building relationships through networking can help you achieve career goals, learn more about your degree and career path, or spark ideas about a related field you are curious to explore. Networking is a great way to learn about job opportunities or get hired at a company that interests you. 

Networking activities can happen virtually or in-person, both formally at a networking event or with informational interviewing (link to Career Readiness page), and also informally through spontaneous conversations. Key strategies to effective networking are: be prepared with your 30-second personal pitch, be authentic and genuine in your engagement, be curious and ask informed questions, follow-up promptly, and be of service to others. Connect with people through LinkedIn (link to Career Readiness page), professional associations (most offer student rates), industry events, and through volunteer activities. Students, consult our WIEL Center D2L site for resources and events to prepare you for future networking opportunities!

Established professionals in your chosen career field can provide guidance, support, and critical connections as you navigate your career choices. Seek formal mentorship programs through industry professional associations or leverage your network to personally recruit a professional whom you admire and is currently successful in your dream job. Students, consult our WIEL Center D2L site for resources on becoming an engaged and prepared mentee!

The Men Who Care program offers opportunities for students who identify as male to explore nontraditional careers in health, human services, and education industries through participating in tours at local organizations. Event information will be posted during the fall semester.

Being involved in a ‘nontraditional career’ means that you are one of few in your chosen profession based upon your identified gender. Additional supports are proven helpful to navigate bias, increase self-advocacy, and generate confidence through personal empowerment. 

Lean into professional associations to support your career choice. Although you may be one of few in your classroom, you will find there are larger numbers of you on the job. Student memberships are generally very affordable or free and often include mentoring programs. Finding a mentor will help you to persist and secure your success in a career.

Looking for scholarship money for school? These associations often raise money just for people like you! They also offer professional development that are industry specific and will help you position yourself to be knowledgeable about how your industry operates. Check out the associations below to get involved and become a member.

• National Association for Women in Construction 
• Society for Women Engineers 
• Women in Cybersecurity 
• Anitab.org 
• Black Tech Talent 
• MNTech 
• Women Leading in Technology (WLIT) 
• Minnestar 
• Women Who Code Minnesota 
• National Center for Women & Information Technology 
• Women in Manufacturing 
• Women Who Really Cook 
• Women in HVACR 
• Automotive Women's Alliance 

• American Assembly for Men in Nursing 
• Black Men Who Teach 
• Men in Early Childhood Education 
• Male Medical Assistants