• Offer advice and guidance to Rensselaer students on a variety of topics including: selecting a major; where to specialize within a major; and course selection tips.
• Share information and avice on the benefits of pursuing a graduate degree.
• Provide tips for breaking into a specific company or industry or on any variety of other career-related topics.

Pathways is not set up to be a job search tool and alumni mentors are not expected to help anyone uncover specific job opportunities. Both programs are designed to help students and alumni build and enhance strong professional networks and to provide alumni with an opportunity to serve as role models.

Becoming a Mentor is Simple: Register on-line through RenSource (Be sure to check the appropriate box on the on-line registration form.)

Registered students review alumni profiles and request the contact information of alumni who have offered to mentor students and/or other alumni. All paticipants receive notification and contact information when a match is made between an alumnus/a and a student or an alum to an alum.

It is important to emphasize that participation in Alumni Connections is completely voluntary. Many Rensselaer Alumni have already shared their wisdom, knowledge of their profession or industry with their fellow alumni and current students. As a volunteer for Alumni Connections you could offer advice and guidance to help promote the professional development of less experienced alumni.

The primary purpose of this relationship is not job placement. There are some subjects many mentors consider off-limits and it is important to clarify them from the beginning. Salary, personal life and job openings at the mentor's place of employment are examples of potentially "off-limits" topics. Mentors may offer information about the workplace but are not be expected to serve as a job placement service.