Bruins helping Bruins

Established by the UCLA Alumni Scholars Club and now in its 17th year, the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program continues to foster meaningful relationships between UCLA alumni and current UCLA students. The connections made in this program help prepare our students for a successful future and leave a lasting impact on our campus community.

Alumni

You have the opportunity to share your professional and personal experience and expertise with current UCLA students.

Become a Mentor

Students

You have exclusive access to a robust network of alumni who are eager and willing to meet you and share their wisdom and advice about life beyond UCLA.

Learn More

Alumni Mentors

About the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program

During this critical time for our students, the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program enables alumni to share their professional and personal experience and expertise with current UCLA students. The connections made in the program help prepare our students for a successful future, navigate uncertainty, and leave a lasting impact on our campus community.

As an alumni mentor, you will have the opportunity to provide student(s) academic guidance as well as career and personal development advice. Your insights on managing change and overcoming difficulty can have a deep and profound impact, particularly during this time. We encourage mentors and students to connect on a regular basis (e.g., once-a-month phone call, in-person meeting when safe, or email conversation); however, the frequency and form of communication are things you can determine together.

With students in remote learning for the time being, our alumni are even more crucial to our students’ success. Your mentorship can help a student create a game plan for the year ahead and even begin to build their network. Mentorship can also help students to move through their career discovery process without being on campus. Whether you are right down the street or across the globe, we invite alumni from around the world to be part of the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program.

Key Dates and Resources — 2021–22

Sept. 1
Alumni log on to UCLA ONE and indicate willingness to mentor
Oct. 11
First day for students to request mentorship
Oct. 26
Deadline for alumni to confirm student request(s) for mentorship
Oct. 27
Mentor and students start to connect

Any mentorship pairings made during the 2021-2022 academic year commit you to one another until June 2022.

Please click here for resources for mentors of undergraduate students.

If you have questions, please contact alumnimentor@alumni.ucla.edu.

For more information, see the FAQs

How do I participate?

1.
Register / Log in to uclaone.com (on a computer, not a mobile device)
2.
Complete / Update your profile by clicking on “Edit Profile” on the top right
Upload a professional photo
Include professional, academic, and volunteer experience
Under the “Offer Mentorship” section, check “UCLA Alumni Mentor Program”
Under the “About Me” section, answer the alumni question: “Why do you want to mentor a current student?”
Make sure to click “Save” at the bottom of the page to save all changes.
3.
Await student mentor request(s)

How will a mentor match be made?

1.
You will review request(s) and can accept or decline mentee(s). You can do this though the “UCLA Alumni Mentor Program” tab on the right, under “Mentor requests and approvals.”
2.
Once you’ve confirmed your maximum number of mentees, update your settings on UCLA ONE by going to your profile, then select “Edit Profile” and under “Offer Mentorship” uncheck “UCLA Alumni Mentor Program” to turn off your availability.
3.
After confirming a mentee(s), you are officially part of the 2021–22 UCLA Alumni Mentor Program. You can refer to our online Welcome Packet to get started with your mentee.
4.
If you feel that it is time to end the mentorship prior to June 2022, check out our “Ending Your Mentorship Resource Page.”


Mentoring Undergraduate Students Webinar:

Students

About the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program

As a UCLA student, you have exclusive access to a robust network of alumni who are eager and willing to meet you and share their wisdom and advice about life beyond UCLA.

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is a unique opportunity for you to form meaningful and lasting relationships with alumni across the globe or in your hometown. As a program participant, you’ll have a chance to request a mentor to assist you with academic guidance, career advice and personal development. We encourage mentors and students to connect on a regular basis (e.g., once-a-month phone call, in-person meeting, or email conversation). However, the frequency and form of communication are things you can determine together.

Mentors can open doors, introduce you to different people, and give you insights you may not have. Make the most of your year ahead by making a great connection.

Key Dates and Resources — 2021–22

Sept. 27
Students begin to review alumni profiles
Oct. 11
First day for students to request mentorship
Oct. 26
Deadline for alumni to confirm student request(s) for mentorship
Oct. 27
Mentor and students start to connect
Any mentorship pairings made during the 2021-2022 academic year commit you to one another until June 2022.

Please click here for resources for undergraduate student participants.

If you have questions, please contact alumnimentor@alumni.ucla.edu.

For more information, see the FAQs

How do I participate?

1.
Register / Log in to uclaone.com (on a computer, not a mobile device)
2.
Complete / Update your profile by clicking on “Edit Profile” on the top right
Upload a professional photo
Include academic, volunteer and professional experience
Under the “About Me” section, answer the student question: “What do you hope to learn from an alumni mentor?”
Make sure to click “Save” at the bottom of the page to save all changes.
3.
Search and review Alumni Mentor profiles on UCLA ONE using the Directory tab:
Once on the directory page, make sure to select the tab “Mentors” (located near the top).
Filter your search using the following categories:

UCLA: field of study, degree, grad year, communities (e.g. AAP, First Gen, LGBTQIA, Transfer, Veteran)
Work: company, industry, job function
Location: city, state, country
Keyword search
Students can request a mentor by following step 4 below:
4.
Click "Request Mentorship" button on your ideal mentor's profile (located on the right side within the person’s profile). Personalize your message in the message pop-up box and then click "Send." You are allowed to request only ONE alumni mentor at a time.
Introduce yourself (name, year, major) and include any relevant campus, volunteer or work experience
Explain what you hope to learn from an alumni mentor and why you feel he/she would be the best fit
Include reference(s) to information in the mentor’s profile (such as education, job, industry or volunteer experience)
Conclude by asking if he/she would be interested in mentoring you as part of the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program and thank him/her for their consideration
DO NOT REQUEST MENTORSHIP WITHOUT INCLUDING A PERSONALIZED MESSAGE

If your requested mentor confirms, you are officially part of the 2021–22 UCLA Alumni Mentor Program. You can refer to our online Welcome Packet to get started with your mentor.

5.
If you feel that it is time to end the mentorship prior to June 2022, check out our “Ending Your Mentorship Resource Page.”


Undergraduate Student Information Session:

Jasmine Wong ’20

Jasmine Wong ’20

Bachelor of Science, Nursing-Generic/Prelicensure

Registered Nurse, Stanford Children's Health | Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford

Student mentee Christie Tan, fourth-year nursing-generic/prelicensure major, shared, "In the life of a nursing student, our world is a dizzying salad of new, exciting and intimidating experiences! So many of my anxieties and worries have been assuaged by Jasmine's tender, gentle guidance. She has never failed to go above and beyond to make herself available to me, to guide and support me on my journey. I truly feel that I can go to her for anything. […]

"She provided so many resources to help strengthen the breadth of my knowledge and practice in both the theoretical and clinical setting. Her mock interview tips and support helped me land my very first job as a nursing assistant, which led to amazing learning and networking opportunities. She continues to steer me in a direction to become an effective, compassionate and competitive professional, all while maintaining her full-time career as a PICU/CVICU nurse at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital! As I near the end of my time as an undergraduate, I cannot imagine having gone through this experience without Jasmine as my mentor!"

Phil Bangayan ’94, M.S. ’96, Cert. ’00

Phil Bangayan ’94, M.S. ’96, Cert. ’00

Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering; Master of Science, Electrical Engineering; UCLA Extension Certificate in Business Management for Technical Personnel

Principal Data Scientist, Teradata

Student mentee Aimee Xu, first-year statistics major, shared, "Phil has gone above and beyond as a mentor and as a longtime friend to the Alumni Association. As a double alum, he understands the power of giving back to the UCLA community. He has served as a mentor since the start of the AMP program, mentoring several students per year. Having worked across multiple disciplines and for companies such as JPL and Disney, Phil holds a wide range of expertise and continues to inspire many Bruins like myself! […]

"Despite AMP taking place virtually this year, Phil remains proactive and supportive, happy to answer his mentees’ questions, whether it be over call, email or Zoom. He never hesitates to make time out of his busy schedule to lend a hand on everything from my consulting case competitions to computer science hackathons and projects. He also understands the importance of initiating meaningful connections; I have expanded my professional network considerably just during my first year at UCLA through his introductions. Don't just take it from me; many of his mentees still keep in contact with him long after graduation.

"Outside his involvement in AMP, Phil has served on the UCLA Alumni Board of Directors, volunteers on the New Student Welcome Committee and reads freshman alumni scholarship applications. Phil exemplifies what the Alumni Mentor Program is all about.”

Casey Brown ’12

Casey Brown ’12

Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies

Associate Marketing Manager, Mattel, Inc.

Student mentee Stephanie Trelease, fourth-year communication and psychology major, shared, “Casey embodies the Bruin spirit with her enthusiasm, generosity, ‘no question too small’ attitude, and unceasing wish to give back and help young women like me. Our first and final meetings excellently contextualize her stellar mentorship and its impact on me. In November, I was a senior facing an uncertain and anxiety-ridden entry into the job search upon graduation in December, and Casey met me with a methodical and organized approach to figuring out what I wanted to pursue and how to do it. […]

"In May, I was an incoming professional one week away from starting my first full time job, and Casey gave me sage advice to acclimate and learn in a new role and workplace.

"Casey was with me every step of the job search process, and I undoubtedly would not be in my position without her guidance. She’s a master at the basics, sharing her keen eye for resume and cover letter improvement, she's networking force, instilling in me the confidence to polish my LinkedIn and connect with other professionals, and she’s always eager to instruct, whether through answering questions about the smallest nuances of job listings or jumping in on something much more weighty.

"This final point was where Casey especially went above and beyond for me. As I faced an unexpected interview, Casey gave me plenty of advice to help me quickly prepare; as I faced second and third round interviews, Casey scheduled extra time to perform increasingly specialized mock interviews; as I faced an official job offer, Casey stepped up to help me negotiate and understand the benefits. All of this fantastic preparation helped me to start my new job with certainty and excitement.

"Although we were both Communication majors, I cannot fully express how much Casey’s mentorship has meant to me this past year. She helped me gain confidence and clarity during a time I needed it the most. I’m looking forward to the day when I can, in turn, be someone else’s “Casey.” Thank you to the UCLA Alumni Mentor program for allowing me to connect with her, and most importantly, thank you Casey for everything you have done for me!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Alumni

Why should I participate in the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program?

UCLA students are willing and eager to learn from your professional and personal experiences. We want to ensure that they are prepared in every aspect possible upon graduating from UCLA and entering the workforce. With your wisdom and guidance, we can work together to make sure UCLA students get the most out of their education by connecting with their UCLA alumni network. In the spirit of Bruins helping Bruins, we hope the mentorship provides lasting relationships that will continue to grow and evolve far beyond Westwood.

What is expected of me as a mentor?

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is designed to engage alumni volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Upon your approval of a student’s request, you commit to a mentorship until June 2022. We encourage mentors and mentees to connect on a regular basis (e.g., once a month phone call, in person meeting, or email conversation). However, the frequency and form of communication are things you both can determine. Throughout the year we’ll offer tips on effective mentorship techniques, topics to discuss with your student and suggested activities to connect. Our team will also be standing by to answer any questions you might have. Prior mentorship experience is not required.

How long is the commitment?

The commitment as a mentor lasts until June 2022.

How will a mentor match be made?

Once you register for the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program through UCLA ONE (uclaone.com) you’ll be part of our exclusive, online mentoring community. UCLA students will have a chance to register and review mentor profiles to find a mentor who fits their interests and career goals. Once a student finds the ideal mentor, the student will click on the profile and send a message to request mentorship. From there, alumni will review mentorship request(s) and approve student(s) accordingly.

How many students can I mentor?

We recommend you mentor one to two students throughout the year. Most of our volunteers choose to mentor one student.

What if I receive more than one request for mentorship?

If you receive multiple requests, you will be able to review each student’s profile before confirming a request. We hope you'll accept as many mentees as you feel fit to mentor, but you do have the option to decline a student if you simply don't have time or think it's the wrong fit. We recommend you mentor one to two students throughout the year. Most of our volunteers choose to mentor one student.

I’m still receiving messages from students requesting mentorship, yet I have already accepted my maximum number of mentees?

Once you have approved your mentee(s) request for mentorship, you will want to unselect the “UCLA Alumni Mentor Program” box under “Offer Mentorship” in your profile. You can do so by clicking on “Edit Profile,” then scrolling down to “Offer Mentorship” and unchecking "UCLA Alumni Mentor Program." this will signal that you are no longer available for mentorship and thus no longer accepting requests.

What if I want to continue mentoring the student beyond the academic year?

Alumni are welcome to continue mentoring their students as long as they are willing and able.

Are events and program activities mandatory?

Events and programs are not required. The great thing about this program is that your mentorship connection can be carried out as the mentor and mentee see fit. However, we do encourage you to attend as many program events, both in person and virtual, as possible to build a strong connection with your student.

Do I have to be in Los Angeles to participate as a mentor?

You do not have to live in Los Angeles to participate. You can mentor by connecting with your student via phone calls, email, Skype, or FaceTime and still be a great alumni mentor. We will provide virtual events and discussions for you and your mentee to participate in.

How do I sign up to be a mentor?

It is quick and simple to sign up to be a mentor. Please follow these steps to sign up on UCLA ONE.

What if I don’t receive any requests for mentorship from students?

We encourage you to complete your UCLA ONE profile by including all relevant professional, academic, and volunteer experience. In addition, we have included the opportunity to answer the question, “Why do you want to mentor a student?” That will provide students with the best information to request mentorship. If you aren’t requested for mentorship through this program, Alumni Affairs offers many opportunities to volunteer your time and expertise - https://alumni.ucla.edu/get-involved/.

Students

Why should I participate as a student in the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program?

As a UCLA student, you have exclusive access to a robust network of alumni who are eager and willing to meet you and share their wisdom and advice about life beyond UCLA. The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is a unique opportunity for you to form meaningful and lasting relationships with alumni that will extend beyond campus walls. As a program participant, you’ll have a chance to request a mentor to assist you with academic guidance, career advice and personal development.

What is expected of me as a mentee?

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is designed to engage alumni volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels. You will be paired through June 2022 with the mentor who has accepted your request for mentorship. We encourage you to connect with your mentor on a regular basis (i.e. once a month phone call, in person meeting, or email conversation). However, the frequency and form of communication are things you both can determine. Please DO NOT ask your mentor for a job or internship. The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program is about building your professional network, personal development and gaining academic and career advice. This program is not a direct pipeline to a job or internship, though it can often help with opportunities in the future.

How long is the commitment?

The commitment as a student mentee lasts until June 2022. Students can review profiles and send requests to their preferred mentor. Alumni will review your request(s) and confirm/select student mentee(s) through the UCLA ONE site. Once this happens you will be officially part of the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program.

How will a mentor match be made?

Throughout the year, you will have a chance to register and review mentor profiles to find a mentor who fits your interests and career goals. Once you find your ideal mentor, you will click on the alumni profile and send a message to request mentorship. From there, alumni will review mentorship request(s) and approve student(s) accordingly.

Is there a limit to how many mentor requests I can send?

You are only allowed to send one mentor request. Make sure to review alumni profiles carefully and send your request to the alumnus who best fits your interests and career goals.

I reached out to someone, and did not receive a response. What should I do?

We ask that you give alumni enough time to respond, typically 2-3 days. Keep in mind that mentors are busy with their professions and personal lives, so please be considerate of their time. If you do not receive a mentorship request acceptance, please do not send a follow-up message asking alumni if they received your request and would like to be your mentor. Just go ahead and cancel your request, and make a new request to another potential mentor. You may contact alumnimentor@alumni.ucla.edu if you have any questions.

The mentor I was interested in connecting with, now no longer is willing to help?

Once a mentor has accepted their mentee match, they will update their profile to indicate that they are no longer accepting mentor requests.

What if I want to continue my mentor/mentee match beyond the academic year?

You are welcome to stay connected with your mentor as long as they are willing and able to help.

Are events and program activities mandatory?

Events and programs are not required. The great thing about this program is that your mentorship connection can be carried out as both of you see fit. However, we do encourage you to attend as many program events, both in person and virtual, as possible to build a strong connection with your mentor.

Can I request a mentor who lives outside of Los Angeles?

Many of our Alumni Mentors do not have to live in Los Angeles. You can connect with your mentor via phone calls, email, Skype or FaceTime and still have a great connection. With remote learning in place, we recommend you find a mentor who interests you and shares aspects (hometown, background, etc.) that are meaningful to you. We will provide virtual events and discussions for you and your mentor to participate in, but your regularly scheduled communication is up to you to keep going.

How do I sign up to be a mentee?

It is quick and simple to sign up to be a mentee. Please follow these steps to sign up on UCLA ONE.

Connect

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