I’m Ready – Alumni to Student Mentor Program

I'm Ready combines traditional mentoring with dynamic micro-sessions for career and personal growth. This unique approach pairs Winthrop alumni mentors with student mentees, creating powerful connections and learning opportunities.

Program Highlights:

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.

I'm Ready is designed to spark meaningful dialogues, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional success. Join us to shape the future of Winthrop's emerging professionals!

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. Join us in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow and give back in a way that truly matters!

Pat Boutwell '84

Business Administration

"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."

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Here are 5 reasons to participate as an I'm Ready alumni mentor:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Logan Pender '24

Individualized Studies

"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!"

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Here are 5 reasons to participate as an I'm Ready student mentee:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 - Monday, Sept. 23, 2024

Discover Your Direction

• • Introductions & Professional Skills Self Assessment
     

Micro-Session #2 - Monday, Oct. 28, 2024

Explore the World of Work

• • Career Exploration & Pathways
     

Micro-Session #3 - Monday, Feb. 17, 2025

Communicate Your Brand

• • Networking & Professional Branding
     

Micro-Session #4 - Monday, March 24, 2025

Create Your Opportunities

• • Interview Skills & Personal Growth

Interested in becoming an alumni mentor or a student mentee? Register for the 2024-2025 I'm Ready program below. 

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.