Quick Connections make mentorship accessible and adaptable, allowing those with demanding schedules to connect and grow without the pressure of a long-term commitment. Start your journey today and discover how a single question can lead to meaningful impact.
Are you a fellow wildcat looking for guidance from other alumni? Learn more about Ask a Wildcat.
Quick Chats
Say hello to Quick Chats—a new mentorship experience designed to facilitate quick yet impactful conversations between mentors and mentees a part of the Northwestern Alumni Mentorship Program (NAMP). Quick Chats provide a flexible, 30-minute connection option that fits into even the busiest schedules, offering an alternative to NAMPs longer mentorship pairings that can span several months. The format keeps the conversation focused and productive, allowing mentors and mentees to dive deep into significant subjects within a concise timeframe.
After your Quick Chat, reflect on your conversation and share feedback with the NAA about your experience, including ways we can improve the program.
Quick Chat requests are made via direct message. Each request counts toward your limit as soon as it is submitted, regardless of whether you have responded. You can opt in to receive up to eight Quick Chat requests at a time.
After meeting with your mentee, take a moment to reflect on your conversation. Jot down key takeaways and ideas for future sessions. While this may be a one-time interaction, if you have the time and interest, consider offering a longer-term mentorship opportunity to continue building the relationship.
To make the most of your 30-minute Quick Chat, take a few minutes to plan ahead. Whether you’re seeking career advice, industry insights, or personal development tips, arriving with a few clear topics in mind will help guide the conversation.
Please review our Resources page for helpful tools and guidance that can support your preparation before your upcoming chat.
Review and update your profile to ensure your information is current, which helps improve visibility and increases the likelihood of being matched with a mentor.
Navigate to the search section.
Adjust your criteria by selecting availability and searching for “Available for Quick Chat.” Apply any additional filters (such as industry, location, or field of specialty) to narrow your results.
When you find someone who fits your interests, send a brief introductory message explaining who you are and what you hope to gain from the conversation. Review the Quick Chat Sample Message to help you get started.
Arrive on time and come prepared to make the most of your conversation.
After your chat, thank your mentor and share feedback with the NAA about your experience, including suggestions for improvement. If you find your conversation especially helpful and the mentor is open for longer-term involvement, consider requesting a full mentorship match to build on the insights you gained.
After meeting with a mentor, take time to reflect on what you learned. Jot down key takeaways and ideas for future sessions. If the conversation was especially valuable, consider following up for another discussion, or explore additional mentors on the platform to gain new perspectives.
Ask a Wildcat
Ask a Wildcat is a new intiative coming soon. Check back for more information about this program.