Alumni-Student Mentoring Program

Topics that may be addressed during the mentorship include academics, professionalism, internships, common interests, career choices, etc. Note that this is not a job-placement program; mentors are not recruiters.

During the course of the mentorship, mentors and students will be in contact via e-mail and/or phone, depending on arrangements that are agreeable to both parties. We hope that mentorships will include at least one face-to-face meeting--perhaps a day of "job shadowing"--but if distance is an issue, Skype or similar virtual contact may be employed.

Students

The Alumni-Student Mentoring Program offers you the opportunity to interact with an experienced professional who can offer insights beyond those gained in your academic program.

Undergraduates in FOREM or WFS, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, are welcome to apply. Our first-year students and transfer students who do not yet have a Penn State GPA are also welcome to apply.

Information you provide on the application will help us match you with a mentor. Matches are made for one semester, but you and your mentor may choose to work together for a longer period of time.

Student application

FOREM students should submit completed forms to Mr. Joe Harding, Penn State Forest Lands Manager, at h31@psu.edu; and WFS students should submit completed forms to Ms. Ellen Rom, coordinator of undergraduate programs, at exr2@psu.edu. Questions may be directed to either Mr. Harding or Ms. Rom. A student applicant will be notified when a mentor has been identified. It is the student's responsibility to initiate and maintain contact with the mentor.

Alumni Mentors

We encourage interested alumni to lend their expertise to aspiring students curious about the diversity of careers in natural resources. The mentor's role is to be a window to the world of professional work and help students gain confidence in exploring their interests and career choices.

Note that this is not a job-placement program; you are not expected to provide internship or employment opportunities.

Information you provide on the application will help us match you with a student. Matches are made for one semester, but you and your student may choose to work together for a longer period of time.

Mentor application

Forestry alumni should submit completed forms to Mr. Joe Harding, Penn State Forest Lands Manager, at h31@psu.edu; and wildlife/fisheries alumni should submit completed forms to Ms. Ellen Rom, coordinator of undergraduate programs, at exr2@psu.edu. Questions may be directed to either Mr. Harding or Ms. Rom. Guidelines for Mentors are available in advance upon request, and will otherwise be provided when a mentor application is received.

The Forest Resources Alumni Group launched the Alumni-Student Mentoring Program in summer 2016.