Why join the SIS Career Mentoring Program?

Mentorship is a valuable tool to achieve career goals, become a better leader in your field, and simply enjoy your work more. This program offers the opportunity to gain a willing and supportive mentor in international affairs who can help you develop skills, navigate career opportunities effectively, and expand your professional network. 

By the end of the academic year, if you commit to this program, you should expect to :

• Improve your skills in 8 key career competencies highly valued by employers
• Progress in 1 to 3 career goals set out by you at the beginning of the program
• Meet at least one new, relevant professional in your field
• Have developed high quality personal career materials, including base resume and cover letter 

What is the commitment?

In order to be successful in the program, students should be prepared to:

• Dedicate at least 5 hours per month to this program.
• Meet/interact regularly with your mentor. Keep any commitments that are made, and communicate promptly and professionally if you need to make a change.
• Identify your needs and expectations and discuss them with your mentor throughout the year.
• Understand your mentor’s expectations of you and ask for clarification as needed.
• Take initiative in the mentoring relationship, and be responsible for your own career development.
• Ask questions and participate in conversations.
• Be open to receiving constructive feedback and advice.
• Keep your mentor informed of your progress throughout the year.
• Accept and value one another’s differences.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and positive attitude in all interactions.

Eligibility

• SIS sophomores, juniors, or seniors (majors only) with a 3.0 GPA or higher may apply
• SIS Master's students in good academic standing may apply
• Students who are accepted to the program should demonstrate commitment to prompt and professional communication, thoughtful engagement with professional development goals, and initiative to create and maintain a meaningful professional relationship with your mentor.

Application

Applications are accepted starting on August 19th until September 6th at 5pm ET. Late or partially completed applications will not be considered.

If you are successfully paired with a mentor, you will be notified on or before September 20th. Please do not reach out before that date to inquire about your mentor as we are unable to respond to every inquiry that comes in.

Outside of academic or other professional commitments, your attendance at the events throughout the year is expected to participate in this program. This includes required Mentee Orientation for all students and the first in-person event for students participating in-person this year will be the Mentoring Meet and Greet, where you will meet your mentor for the first time. 

Please mark your calendar for the following dates: 

• SIS Career Mentee Orientation- 9/24/2024, 4-5pm, virtual
• SIS Career Mentee Orientation- 9/26/2024, 4-5pm, virtual
• SIS Career Mentoring Program Meet and Greet- 10/4/2024, in the evening, in-person

All students accepted to the mentoring program are required to attend ONE of the Mentee Orientations before beginning their program.

When filling out the application, you will need:

1. An up-to-date LinkedIn profile
2. Three mentor preferences. Click here to learn about this year's mentors and choose who you would like to be paired with.
3. A personal statement (750 words) answering BOTH prompts below:
   • Prompt 1: In 500 words or less, describe why you chose each of your top three mentors and what you hope to learn from each of them. 
   • Prompt 2: In 250 words or less, describe how you think participating in the mentoring program will help you in achieving your career and life goals.

Please fill out this online application form to apply. If you need support or require accommodations to successfully apply, please contact the SIS Career Team (SIScareer@american.edu) with your question or request.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear understanding of their own professional development goals and their expectations for a career mentor.

Please be thoughtful with your response. It will be reviewed by the SIS Career Team and any mentors you ask to be matched with.

Please note, we match students with mentors based on shared interests, expectations, and goals. Unfortunately, spots are limited, and while we try to give as many students as possible the chance to participate, being matched with a mentor is not guaranteed.