e-Mentor Program

SPS e-Mentor Program (EMP) Overview

Welcome to the e-Mentor Program supported by the Career Design Lab and Alumni Relations at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. We are excited to connect current students with experienced professionals. This program is designed to provide mentorship for young professionals or students with limited professional experience to learn from alumni and industry experts, tapping into their knowledge, skills, and experience. We hope you enjoy all of the benefits that this program provides.

Duration & Frequency

All mentors and mentees are expected to hold at least four mentoring sessions for a minimum of 30 minutes per session at anytime in the three-month period. 

• Fall 2023 E-Mentor Program TBD

Student Sign-up & Pairing

Students interested in participating in the program must fill out the interest form and then complete their participation submission form. Students can review the e-Mentors from the bottom of the page and submit their top three choices on the Student e-Mentor Program Submissions form. Students must fill out all questions to be considered for the e-Mentor Program. CDL will review mentee and mentor preferences including program of study, skills, job functions, shared interests, shared affiliations and career alignment in pairing of mentor and mentee. 

Mentor and Mentee Benefits 

The e-Mentor Program is a wonderful opportunity for mentors to support Columbia SPS students in their career journey. Mentors will learn first-hand challenges and opportunities that mentees face and provide valuable insights on how to start and navigate careers, share industry information, review job applications and conduct practice interviews with their mentees. The e-Mentor program offers an excellent networking opportunity for mentees, not only for building a strong base for your professional network but also for long-term career success, including the following:

• Deepen connections with the Columbia community  

• Learn about and discuss specific and linear career paths  

• Develop and cultivate and extended network  

• Understand the relevance of their academic studies in practical setting  

• Discuss what tasks and issues professionals/leaders face at workplace  

• Discuss attributes and experiences organizations are truly looking for in potential candidates 

e-Mentor’s Role

The mentor’s role is to share experience, insights and feedback that will guide the mentor in the achievement of his or her learning objectives. Listening plays an important part in the mentoring role – listening to understand the mentee’s goals and to uncover key learning opportunities that support those goals.

e-Mentee’s Role

The mentee’s role is to manage the mentoring partnership. Since the partnership is focused on the mentee’s learning objectives, it is essential that potential mentees devote time to clarifying professional goals and identifying strengths that will promote the achievement of those goals and development areas that may be obstacles.