Mentorship Programs
Navigate your career with guidance from experienced alumni mentors.
Our programs build strong mentorship connections across the Northwestern community.
We invite alumni from all class years, programs, and schools to participate as volunteer mentors, mentees, or both; current, degree-seeking students are also welcome to participate as mentees.
Find the right mentorship opportunity for you.
Northwestern Alumni Mentorship Program
Mentors share experience, perspective, and guidance to alumni or student mentees exploring professional paths and navigating their careers.
Participants:
- Alumni serve as mentors or mentees.
- Current students participate as mentees.
NEXT Program
Alumni welcome current students into their workplaces for a hands-on, job-shadowing experience that brings career possibilities to life.
Participants:
- Alumni serve as hosts.
- Current students participate as externs.
Mentor Circles
Alumni lead small group conversations on their topic of choice—from career paths and job searching to gaining leadership skills and work-life balance.
Participants:
- Alumni serve as discussion leaders or participants.
- Current students join as group members.
I think that people maybe don't realize how valuable it is to have a mentor, especially someone who aligns with your career goals, or maybe just your career interest. I think having that insight and kind of insider information about a career is so valuable.”
—Sharmel Gibson ’28
Why Mentorship Works
Mentorship is built on meaningful, long-term relationships, where alumni support mentees’ growth across career exploration, skill-building, and personal development.