Finding and Contacting Mentor Volunteers
How to Find a Mentor
The mentor database is housed within BullsEye, Career Services' online resource for students and alumni. To access the database, login to BullsEye using the blue login box at right. On the menu bar at the top of the page, click on "Mentor Search."
You may then search for mentors by keyword, industry, job category, city/state, and more. In reviewing the list that matches your search criteria, click on the mentor's name for a detailed bio and a description of how they can assist you. When you find a mentor you would like to contact, click on the "Contact Mentor" button. You may then view the mentor's preferred contact information (which could include an address, email, and/or phone number). BullsEye users are allowed 20 mentor contacts each month.
If you are having difficulty finding a good mentor match, Career Services can help. Send an email to Career Services or call 716-645-2231.
Some Tips on Contacting Mentors
- Please remember that these volunteers are here to share career information, advice, and contacts -- NOT to provide you with a job or internship opportunity.
- You may contact a mentor volunteer using any of the contact information provided in the mentor's record. (Please contact Career Services if you find incorrect information such as a disconnected phone number or bad email address.)
- Generally, it is suggested that you first send an introductory email or letter (see sample as PDF (20KB) or Word (26KB) ) and follow up in a few days with a phone call.
- Mentors are busy professionals and may not be able to get back to you immediately, so be patient. Make sure you are treating them with the same courtesy and professionalism you would in the job search.
- When contacting mentors, be specific about the assistance you are seeking (e.g. career exploration/informational interview, networking help, advice for your job/internship search, etc.) and then request a meeting or appointment to speak by phone. Do not send your resume or cover letter in the first contact.
- If the mentor is based in Western New York, you could meet at the mentor's office or a mutually convenient coffee shop or café.
- Summer and winter breaks are a perfect time to meet with mentors located in your home town while you are home on vacation. Be sure to allow several weeks to set up the meeting, being mindful of mentors' busy holiday schedules.
- If the mentor lives out of the area, you should request to schedule time to speak by phone. Twenty minutes to a half hour should be sufficient, and it is expected that you will call the mentor at the appointed time (and not the other way round).
- Exchanging emails is another method of communicating with mentors, but keep in mind that many mentors prefer the personal touch of meeting face-to-face or speaking by phone.
- 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 for lunch or coffee, it is expected that you will pay for your own food and beverages).
- Please do not contact a mentor volunteer unless you are committed to following through with a meeting or phone conversation. If you are unable to make the appointment, be sure to call as far in advance as possible to reschedule. These busy professionals are taking their valuable time to help you, and one student's immature behavior will reflect poorly on all UB students.
- Only one meeting is expected, so make the most of the time you spend with the mentor volunteer.
- For tips on preparing for, conducting, and following up on your meeting, click here.
The Meet-a-Mentor Program database is to be used solely as a means to connect those exploring careers with volunteers who are experienced in those careers. Using mentor information in an inappropriate manner (i.e. sales) will result in termination of the user's access to all BullsEye services.
