Overview
Bard students and alumni/ae have the opportunity to connect with professionals in a variety of career fields through our Mentoring Network at www.collegecentral.com/bard. Students and alumni/ae can access the Mentoring Network once they have registered at College Central via their CNN homepage. We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity and connect with mentors who can advise and support them in their professional development. Mentors offer one or more of the following avenues of assistance: career/graduate school information and advice; an opportunity to "shadow" the mentor in his/her workplace; leads to internships and jobs; and housing during the course of an internship.

Find a Mentor
Bard students and alumni/ae should call our office for a password to the Mentoring Network (845-758-7539).

Become a Mentor
If you are a Bard alumna/us, parent and/or friend, and would like to volunteer as a mentor, please call our office at 845-758-7539.

FAQ's

1) How do I search for mentors?
Once you have registered at www.collegecentral.com/bard and have called our office for the mentoring password, return to your home page at www.collegecentral.com/bard, scroll to Other Services and click on Search for Mentors. Log in with the mentoring password and click on Access Mentoring Network. At the Mentoring Network, you may search for mentors by Job Title/Job Type or by State. For a complete list of all participating mentors, leave all fields blank and click on Begin Search. Information about each Mentor's current job, career trajectory and Bard experience should be displayed. You may contact mentors through the Mentoring Network's e-mail.

2) What should I tell mentors about myself?
Articulate in a few sentences, what you're studying, the year you expect to graduate, your interests, related activities and/or career experience thus far and whether you are looking for an internship, summer job, career/graduate school advice or information, or an entry-level position.

3) How do I convey that I am considerate of the mentor's time and appreciate his/her efforts on my behalf?

• State clearly and concisely what your needs, goals and interests are.
• Be sure to thank the mentor for his/her assistance and demonstrate graciousness in your communications.
• Offer to upload your resume, if you haven't already done so.
• Listen to what the mentor can offer you and follow through on what you say you will do.
• Keep the mentor informed of the outcome of any contact(s) you make.

4) What kinds of questions can I ask mentors?

• General questions about their field, for instance, what are the current trends or issues in the field? Do I need an advanced degree?
• Questions that would be inappropriate to ask in a job interview, for instance, what is an average starting salary in this field? How long should I stay in an entry-level position?
• Mentors can also answer questions about how to begin a career in this field and what to expect, for instance, what kinds of entry-level positions are available? What does an average workday look like? What skills or work experiences should I highlight in an interview?
• For other possible questions to ask mentors, see our handout on Informational Interviewing.

5) What other kinds of assistance do mentors provide?
Mentors can provide an insider's perspective on specific industries and fields. Mentors can also give you feedback on your resume, make suggestions for other professionals to contact, and offer leads to jobs or internships. Some mentors may be able to provide housing during a summer or intercession internship. Other mentors may be willing to have you "shadow" them in their workplace for a day or week.

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