LifeNet

Mentoring & Networking

The Alumnae Association’s LifeNet is a resource that Mount Holyoke alumnae and students can use to connect with alumnae for mentoring advice as well as social, personal, and professional networking. With LifeNet, you can reach out to alumnae worldwide for information about careers and professions, social and cultural activities, and many other areas of interest.

One e-mail or phone call to an alumna participating in LifeNet can bring you answers to questions about planning and developing your career, internships, and graduate school. The connection can be a one-time event, or may continue for as long as you and the alumna adviser desire.

Additionally, Pre-Law and Pre-Health students can search LifeNet and connect with alumnae mentors who have signed up specifically to give advice in the fields of law and medicine.

How can you connect with an alumna mentor or advisor?
You don’t have to sign up to be a mentee-all you have to do is click on the LifeNet link at the bottom of this page to get to our password protected site. Once there, you will find information on how to register and search for an alumna advisor. However, do read through all the information and guidelines below before you visit LifeNet; it will help you get started with the mentoring and networking process.

Important note: The use of LifeNet to solicit alumnae for jobs is strictly prohibited. Users who fail to respect this policy will lose their LifeNet privileges.

What is a mentor and why should I have one?

A mentor...

is a teacher, coach, and guide—someone you respect and with whom you have a rapport.
provides you with important career information so that you can make more informed decisions about the world of work.
helps you to understand the networking process as you interact with professionals in the world of work.

What are the benefits of knowing a mentor?

A mentor can...

link or connect you with a professional who represents an occupation you would like to pursue.
provide you with career information that may help you to make more informed decisions about programs of study and occupations.
help you begin the networking process with professionals in the world of work.

What should I not expect from a mentor?
The primary role of an alumna advisor or mentor is to share her knowledge and networking experiences. This program is not intended to be used as a network for job placement.

What are some of the guidelines for a good mentoring relationship?
Attitudes are important and clear communication is key! Mentors have a lot to offer a student in terms of experience, guidance, and support. Both mentor and mentee need to respect the other in terms of timely responses to e-mails. Many professionals are working longer hours and traveling more than ever. Students are juggling course work and other activities. More.

How do I get started?
Feel free to initiate the online exchange by an e-mail telling your mentor about yourself. Example...

Remember that the mentor volunteered to help and is expecting questions from you. Don’t be concerned if you feel awkward at first. As you become comfortable together, communication will be become easier. Here’s a list of sample questions to help you get started.

Questions?

E-mail Maya D’Costa, associate director of campus programs.

› LifeNet

Click here to get started now

Some portions of this page have been adapted from the eMentoring Web site of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and from the Alumnet Web site of Simmons College.

The issue now is not simply what we know; it is also what we understand. The issue now is not simply whether we can merely answer questions; it is also how well we can articulate our answers.
—
Vincent A. Ferraro, Ruth C. Lawson Professor of International