-Informational Interviews - where alumni can provide students with advice and information on careers and industries or workplace visits.

- Networking – where alumni could provide additional contacts in their field or industry.

- Long term mentoring – some alumni may be interested in maintaining contact with a student throughout their college career (and beyond).

- Campus Visits - many graduates are willing to return to campus as speakers or guest lecturers in classrooms, student organizations informal student/faculty meetings.

You are able to search for and identify participating alumni using eXplorenet.
- Login to eXplorenet
- Select the ‘Mentor’ link on the gray navigation bar
- Select one or more criteria in the search area
- Identify and select alumni with whom you would like to speak
- Save them to a folder for future contact

Tips for contacting and engaging Alumni mentors:

First of all remember that these alumni are volunteering their valuable time. Be respectful of their busy schedules. Your initial contact should be brief and pave the way for a lengthier discussion; have your calendar/planner at hand. Prepare a 30 second introduction for phone contacts or a short paragraph about yourself and why you wish to speak with him/her.

Next, prepare a list of questions prior to your meeting with an alumni mentor. Here are four basic questions that can help get you started:

¨ How did you get started in your career?
¨ What do you like about it?
¨ What don’t you like about it?
¨ Who else could you refer or would you recommend I speak to?

Always remember to thank the alumni mentors for sharing their time and advice. A written thank you note or email is a nice touch!