• "It was the best experience I've ever had through UB. I would suggest the this program to all students." Melissa Wisner/BA English
  
  
• "Very informative and helpful in providing direction for career development" Robert Bollinger/BS Chemical Engineering
  
  
• "The alumnus brought me some pertinent articles about resume preparation and supplied some important contact names and numbers of the WNY community. I give our meeting an A+." Clare Reardon/BA Communication
  
  
• "...able to diect me to what types of positions to seek because I have no experience. This is a great way to gain confidence in beginning a job search." Debra Harden/BA Social Science Interdiscplinary

Please remember that these volunteers are here to share their insights about their career fields and offer advice, NOT to provide you with a job opportunity.

How To Choose A Mentor Volunteer
On the previous screen, click on the Meet A Mentor link and you will see a screen that allows you to search the database of volunteers by fields such as major, industry, location of the volunteer, career field and more. You will then be able to review the list that matched your search criteria and if you click on the button to the left of each person's name, you can see a detailed page about them and how they can help you. Then, look for their preferred method of contact listed on the form, and feel free to contact them. Read below for advice on the best way to approach and speak with a mentor volunteer.

What Should You Expect If You Contact A Volunteer?
The Mentor Volunteer has chosen the method(s) of contact as you will see on their volunteer online form (Email, phone, mail). When you contact the volunteer, he/she will probably suggest a meeting place, date and time to determine a mutually agreeable appointment. (If you both decide to meet and have lunch, it is expected that each person will pay for their own meal). Only ONE meeting is expected, so make the most of the time you spend with the mentor volunteer. (Note: If you contact is out of town, it is expected that you will be responsible for any costs such as telephone charges).

It is very important that you follow through if you make an appointment to meet with a mentor.

Please do not contact a mentor volunteer unless you are sure that you are going to follow through with a meeting. These busy professionals are taking their valuable time to help UB students.

How To Prepare for your Meeting

• Always keep in mind you are asking these people to share information, not give you a job.
• Prepare a list of questions before your meeting. Do some research about the company/organization at which they work. Bring a copy of your resume to share with the person about your background.
• Always send a thank you note after your visit.

Questions You Could Ask

1. Find out some background information about this person:
   
   
   • length of time in current position/organization
     
   • major job responsibilities
     
   • organizational structure of their area
     
   • past career path which led to this position
     
   
   
2. Find out more about their job and profession:
   
   
   • what a typical day is like
     
   • personal likes/dislikes of job/profession
     
   • frequently recurring problems in such an occupation/job
     
   • major rewards of occupation/job
     
   • skills most utilized in profession/job
     
   • employment outlook for the profession
     
   • professional associations he/she is active in and is recommended for occupation/job
     
   • general salaries and benefits for profession
     
   • aspects of his/her education or other skills that helped most in the job
     
   • how has technology changed the job/profession if it has
     
   
   
3. Get Some Advice:
   
   
   • share your background/goals with the mentor volunteer
     
   • obtain advice regarding your job search or selection of a career path
     
   • show the mentor volunteer your resume for advice if appropriate, and/or to hold for future reference.
     
   • ask for literature or a tour if you would like more information about the company/organization.
     
   • aks for a referral to another contact person, if appropriate, to continue networking
     
   • ask for job search advice or tips he/she can provide.
     

• Send a thank you note to the mentor volunteer
• Complete the online evaluation form and email to UB Career Services. We really would like to know how your visit went and how valuable this service was to you.