“Make the most of it! My time with my mentor was invaluable for networking, experience and industry advice, but only because I actively sought out his guidance and came into every meeting with an objective and questions/talking points to help achieve those objectives.”
Overview
The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media brings its powerful alumni network to bear each year with the HSAA Mentorship Program, pairing UNC Hussman students with alumni mentors working in their fields of interests.
The mentorship program began in 2017, pairing 10 students with alumni. It has grown exponentially since. For the 2023-24 academic year, there were 48 pairings mentor-mentee pairings including undergraduates and graduate students.
The school’s career services team has long offered a robust “Meet the Pros” program that gives students an opportunity to drop in and meet myriad professionals. The mentorship program creates a deeper connection, allowing students to build one-on-one relationships with alumni.
The purpose of this one-year program is for students to gain connection, information and mentoring from a prestigious UNC Hussman alum. There are no guarantees in this program in terms of internship placement or job placement, but we can guarantee you will get out of it what you put into it.
Student Mentee Expectations
The ideal mentee is someone who is responsible and willing to take the reins on all forms of communication with their mentor. The student will be organized, clear on their expectations and meet all deadlines and meetings in addition to keeping up with their scheduled class work. Below are the requirements:
- Attend the Mentorship Program kickoff and closing events
- Work with your mentor in your first meeting to outline at least three (3) key goals/ activities per semester that will advance or support your personal career aspirations
- Meet with your mentor — virtually — at least two times during the fall semester and two times during the spring semester
- Set mini-deadlines or touch points throughout the semester that both the mentee and mentor can agree will help your career goals
- Meet with Career Services at least once a semester
- Facilitate consistent communication with your mentor
- Complete a brief evaluation form at mid-point and at the end of the program
The above are the bare minimum to be apart of the HSAA Mentorship Program. Each year, most of our students end up talking with their mentor once a month and get guidance on school projects, internship applications and more. Students will get out of this program what they are willing to put into it.
Mentee Application Process
Applications open in March for the upcoming academic year cycle! Mentees must first fill out an application. Selected students will be chosen for a 10-minute interview with UNC Hussman Career Services. Up to 50 students will be chosen to participate in the next year’s HSAA Mentorship Program. Students will be notified of their selection by the end of the spring semester, and they will be matched with their mentor by the start of the following fall.
Testimonials
For More Information
Students can contact hussmancareers@unc.edu with questions.