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:


How to Make the Most of Your Mentorship:

Dr. Brittany Yee ’08

Dr. Brittany Yee ’08

Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

Dermatologist, Kaiser Permanente

Student mentee Kelly Kaon, second-year human biology and society major, shared, “Dr. Brittany Yee is the sweetest, most compassionate mentor! She has given me the confidence to start my own dermatology club at UCLA and pursue my passion for dermatology and skincare. When we have our bi-weekly coffee chats, time always flies and I'm always so inspired by her poise, determination, and ambition that she applies to all facets of life. […]

“I love how Dr. Yee and I can talk about professional development, but also personal development including what we find fulfilling in life, what motivates us, and how to celebrate small successes as we work towards accomplishing our milestone goals. Thank you Dr. Yee for being one of the highlights of my UCLA experience.”

David Gutierrez ’15

David Gutierrez ’15

Bachelor of Arts, History

Judicial Law Clerk, United States Courts

Student mentee Aviv Assayag, fourth-year political science major, shared, “David has been an enormous help and has truly gone above and beyond for me. We have virtually met several times, and he has provided extremely in-depth advice about law school admissions, the LSAT, law school, the hiring process, federal clerkships and much more. He also enthusiastically agreed to speak to dozens of my fellow pre-law club members, and did so — answering many of their questions as well. In doing all the aforementioned, David generously volunteered several hours of his valuable time. If there's anyone that deserves this award, it is definitely David!”

Stacy Low ’06, M.S.W. ’10

Stacy Low ’06, M.S.W. ’10

Bachelor of Arts, Women’s Studies and Sociology
Master of Social Welfare

Clinical Counselor, Tri-City SELPA

Student mentee Dolce Vita Martin-Moreno, third year psychology major, shared, “Stacy has gone above and beyond in helping me this past year. She has continued to check in on me and support me with literally whatever it is that I may need. During this past year I had the unfortunate experience of losing my grandmother and Stacy was an amazing support during that process. I have been so lucky to have met her. She has not only been a mentor regarding academics and career opportunities, but has also become a life mentor as well. […]

“She does an amazing job following up with me on my life outside of academics, creating an environment where I feel comfortable to speak with her about almost anything. She gives the best advice, and anytime I achieve something (i.e. secure a research internship, get an A in a class, or finish an important task), I get excited to share the good news with her. She has been extremely patient and always wants to find ways to help and support me wherever I may need it. Stacy is truly amazing and I hope that our mentor-mentee relationship continues beyond this program.”

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.

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