The I'm Ready program is designed to spark meaningful, lasting connections between alumni mentors and current students. Through shared conversations and career guidance, mentors help students confidently navigate their academic paths and prepare for life after graduation.
I'm Ready offers flexible, high-impact approach through four micro-sessions; two each in the
fall and spring semesters. Each session focuses on a key area of career and self-development,
including career exploration, skills development, networking, and personal growth.
With manageable time commitments and structured topics, both mentors and mentees benefit
from intentional, purposeful engagement.
To learn more about serving as an alumni mentor or participating as a student mentee, contact Leah Simmonds ’23, Alumni Career Program Director, at simmondsl@winthrop.edu.
“Mentoring has been a key contributor to my growth in my professional career. I can only imagine how it would have changed my undergraduate experience at Winthrop back in 2017. It is an honor to have the opportunity to work with students through I'm Ready. I hope I can make a small impact on the exciting journey of a student as they enter their field and launch into their passion."
“Being an alumni mentor is a very special and rewarding experience. It is a treat spending time with Winthrop students who are getting ready for their professional careers, and I have learned so much through the process. I still use information and guidance I received from mentors while a Winthrop student many years ago and it is a joy to pay it forward now. I look forward to staying in touch and seeing where their journeys take them.”
"Mentorship is a two-way street—while helping others navigate their journey, you rediscover your own path and purpose."
“The Flight Ready Mentoring Program has been an amazing part of my Winthrop experience. I was fortunate enough to have a mentor who was truly invested in me and my learning. This program is full of opportunities to connect with Winthrop Alumni who truly want to see you succeed in all that you do!”
"Empowered by the I'm Ready - Alumni to Student Mentoring Program, I step into a world of possibilities guided by the wisdom of respected Winthrop University alumni. Four impactful sessions, countless insights - my journey is not just academic: it's a dynamic exploration nurtured by dedicated mentors. I'm Ready to thrive here at Winthrop and beyond!"
“This program has provided me with the opportunity to connect with a mentor who shares similar experiences and whom I can relate to both professionally and personally. Her guidance, support, and encouragement have been instrumental in my professional development. Beyond offering valuable career advice, she consistently checks in on my wellbeing, which I deeply appreciate. I am also grateful for the thoughtful effort the program invested in pairing me with a mentor who understands my demanding schedule and can accommodate it. I strongly recommend this program to all students, especially my fellow first-generation peers. It’s an incredible opportunity that no one should miss out on!”
I'm Ready combines traditional mentoring with dynamic micro-sessions for career and personal growth designed to spark meaningful dialogues, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional success. This unique approach pairs Winthrop alumni mentors with student mentees, creating powerful connections and learning opportunities.
Classic Mentorship: Benefit from one-on-one guidance from experienced alumni.
Micro-Sessions: Engage in focused bursts of career development content.
Strategic Timing: Micro-sessions are carefully scheduled throughout the program.
Supportive Resources: Receive relevant materials on the day of each micro-session.
Rich Conversations: Alumni share real-world experiences, enhancing students' understanding of key career readiness topics.
Skill Development: Students gain valuable insights and expand their professional awareness.
Becoming an I'm Ready alumni mentor offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the next generation of Winthrop Eagles. By sharing your professional experiences, career advice, and insights, you can guide students through their academic and career journeys, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate successes. This program not only enriches students' lives but also allows alumni to reconnect with the university community, foster meaningful relationships, and contribute to the growth and success of future graduates.
Give Back to the University Community – Participating as an I'm Ready mentor allows you to give back to the university that helped shape your own career. It’s a meaningful way to support the next generation of Eagles by sharing knowledge and experiences.
Develop Leadership and Coaching Skills – Mentoring provides an opportunity for you to develop and refine your leadership, coaching, and communication skills, which are valuable in both personal and professional contexts.
Expand Professional Networks – Mentoring allows you to expand your own professional networks by connecting with students, other mentors, and university staff, potentially opening doors to new opportunities.
Personal Fulfillment - Many alumni find personal fulfillment in helping students navigate their career paths, knowing that your guidance can make a significant difference in a young person’s life and career trajectory.
Stay Connected to Current Trends - Interacting with students keeps you in touch with emerging ideas, technologies, and perspectives.
I'm Ready student mentees are offered invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a mentee, you'll benefit from the guidance and insights of experienced Winthrop alumni, gaining real-world advice on career exploration, skill development, and networking strategies. This program provides a supportive environment to help you set and achieve your goals, navigate challenges, and build lasting professional relationships. Engage in this transformative experience to enhance your readiness for the future and make meaningful connections with alumni who are eager to support your journey.
Gain Industry Insights: Being paired with an alumni mentor gives you direct access to industry-specific knowledge and real-world experiences, helping you better understand your chosen field and navigate potential career paths.
Receive Personalized Guidance: You benefit from one-on-one mentoring tailored to your individual goals, challenges, and aspirations, receiving valuable advice on everything from academic choices to career development.
Expand Professional Networks: Mentoring programs provide you with the opportunity to expand your professional networks, connecting you not only with your mentor but also with other professionals in their field.
Build Confidence and Skills: Through regular interactions with an alumni mentor, you can build confidence in your abilities, improve your communication and interpersonal skills, and gain practical tips on how to succeed in interviews, internships, and job searches.
Set and Achieve Goals: An alumni mentor can help you set realistic and ambitious career goals, guiding you through the steps needed to achieve those goals and offering support and accountability along the way.
Micro-Session #1 - Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025
Discover Your Direction
Micro-Session #2 - Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
Explore the World of Work
Micro-Session #3 - Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
Communicate Your Brand
Micro-Session #4 - Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
Create Your Opportunities
A record number of student mentees have registered for the 2025/26 I'm Ready program! At this time, registration is now closed as we prepare thoughtful alumni mentor/student mentee pairings. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support in making this our biggest year yet!
Winthrop Connect enables you to find alumni via the alumni directory, join an alumni group, view alumni events, promote your business in the business directory, search for new career opportunities on the jobs board, serve as an alumni mentor and more.
