Mentoring Connections: Implementing a Student–Alumni Mentor Program in Social Work

Filling the gaps: how the non-faculty mentor role contributes to the doctoral program support structure

“…Perhaps, due to the even playing field, mentoring has been found to be a mutually beneficial process for both mentees and mentors. While the mentoring relationship offers interpersonal support and academic advice to mentees, it also provides professional development, experience and connectedness for mentors (Geesa et al, 2018;Mason and Hickman, 2019;Skrzypek et al, 2019). Non-faculty mentors can impart upon mentees not only academic and professional knowledge but also important social knowledge, such as how to acclimate to the culture of the doctoral program (Christie, 2014).…”

“…Non-faculty mentors can impart upon mentees not only academic and professional knowledge but also important social knowledge, such as how to acclimate to the culture of the doctoral program (Christie, 2014). Alumni mentors are especially well-positioned to assist students with professional development (PD) and career goals, as well as building networking relationships which may be of future use to both mentor and mentee (Skrzypek et al, 2019). For students facing feelings of isolation and separation, this social knowledge may help them develop a sense of connectedness and belonging within the doctoral program (Christie, 2014).…”

Research for Rural Development 2023 : annual 29th international scientific conference proceedings

“…Alumni mentoring is a program designed to promote students' confidence and encouragement and improve their learning experience (Preethy & Smitha, 2023) by providing support and helping reduce stress caused by the lack of skills and motivation and issues in socializing with peers. Mentoring programs, both formal and informal, are used in university and professional environments to assist students and new professionals grow personally and professionally (Skrzypek et al, 2019) and establish professional contacts used for networking (Preethy & Smitha, 2023). Alumni mentoring improves students' perceptions of graduate employability, their overall student experience, and their willingness to become mentors to future students (Dollinger, Marangell, 2019).…”

Mentorship for Doctor of Education Candidates: Exploring Sustainability, Networking, and Expected Outcomes within a Mentoring Program

“…Offering a non-faculty mentor to students can be beneficial in that peer mentors or professional mentors may be able to offer more personal, real-world advice to mentees, as well as forming closer interpersonal bonds due to the more equal-level power differential (Brown et al, 2020; Lowery et al, 2018; Noonan et al, 2007; Pifer & Baker, 2016). Alumni mentors, in particular, may be able to provide unique benefits to mentees, including establishing networking connections and assisting mentees with professional development and career goals (Skrzypek et al, 2019).…”

“…Because EdD candidates typically serve as educational leaders in schools, districts, and states while pursuing their doctorate, their needs while in the degree program vary and they may face unique challenges (Christie, 2014; Kerrigan & Hayes, 2016). These candidates may benefit from building relationships with recent EdD graduates to talk with, ask questions to, and share thoughts about their pathways through the doctoral degree program (Clayton et al, 2013; Skrzypek et al, 2019). Due to challenges with work-life balance, some EdD candidates struggle to complete the degree program without mentoring and opportunities to connect to others and gain support in their academic program (Dorn & Papalewis, 1997; Geesa, Brown, et al, 2020; Ivankova & Stick, 2007).…”