Mentorship Programs

Mentoring aims to foster meaningful relationships between UCF alumni and current students. These connections prepare our students for successful futures and leave a lasting impact on our campus community.

Below is a list of participating mentorship programs being offered during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Black Alumni 1969 Club Mentorship

Welcome to the 1969 Club Alumni Mentorship Program! Our mission is to empower students by providing a platform for mentorship that promotes personal and professional growth. We are grateful for our alumni’s participation and commitment to guiding current students. For students, this program offers the chance to connect with alumni and gain valuable insights and advice. Through these meaningful connections, the 1969 Club Alumni Mentorship Program aims to prepare students for a successful future and create a lasting impact on the UCF community.

What sets this program apart? Students and alumni are matched based on professional development skills that the student has a desire to learn and the alumknight has the expertise to teach. Whether it is networking, resume review or how to nail that next interview, this program is designed to be a meaningful experience that helps you develop and hone marketable skills.

ChargeOn Mentorship

ChargeOn Mentoring aims to foster meaningful relationships between UCF Young Alumni and current UCF students. The connections made in this program will help prepare our students for a successful future and leave a lasting impact on our campus community. While we partner with the 4EVER KNIGHTS student organization on this effort, all students are welcome to apply.

What sets this program apart? Students and alumni are matched based on professional development skills that the student has a desire to learn and the alumknight has the expertise to teach. Whether it is networking, resume review or how to nail that next interview, this program is designed to be a meaningful experience that helps you develop and hone marketable skills.

College of Arts and Humanities

The purpose of this program is to connect current students with alumni mentors who share similar academic backgrounds, professional interests and career fields. Alumni mentors act as advisors, share professional experiences, provide new perspectives/insight into the industry, share knowledge about career advancement and assist in the building and enhancement of their mentee’s individual skill set.

College of Business

As Central Florida’s top provider of business talent, we strive to ensure each of our students can ‘get to the one’ in their chosen industries. Become a mentor with the College of Business and help shape the next generation of business leaders. By sharing your expertise and experience, you will foster innovative thinking, risk taking and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Join us in our mission to transform business education, prepare students for dynamic careers and contribute to the vibrant, forward-thinking culture of UCF’s College of Business. Your guidance can be the key to unlocking their potential in a rapidly evolving world.

College of Community Innovation and Education

Embodying the spirit of “Knights helping Knights,” the CCIE Alumni Mentorship Program empowers alumni to share their extensive professional and personal experiences with current UCF CCIE students. These invaluable connections not only prepare our students for successful futures but also create a lasting impact on our campus community. With expertise in diverse fields such as criminal justice, education, global health management and informatics, legal studies, and public administration, our alumni offer new perspectives, industry insights, and valuable skills to their mentees.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

The College of Engineering and Computer Science and The College of Optics and Photonics Mentor/Mentee Program provides an enriching platform for students to establish meaningful connections with alumni within their field. Through this program, students are paired with alumni mentors who offer guidance, share industry knowledge, and facilitate networking opportunities. By connecting with experienced professionals, participants can expand their professional network, gain insights into their chosen field, and receive valuable advice to shape their academic and career trajectories.

College of Health Professions and Sciences

The College of Health Professions and Sciences Mentorship Program connects current students with alumni who offer guidance, advice and support based on their professional journeys. This program aims to cultivate meaningful relationships that assist students in navigating their academic pursuits and career ambitions. By participating, students gain valuable insights into various health professions, receive personalized mentoring tailored to their goals and expand their professional networks. Alumni mentors are committed to helping students succeed by providing practical advice on internships, job searches and academic planning, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and professionally.

College of Sciences

The College of Sciences, UCF’s largest college, offers a diverse array of mentors. This program fosters critical thinking and prepares students for post-graduation success across all majors and disciplines of the sciences, aiding students as they plan for careers, graduate or professional programs.

Marching Knights

Established by the Marching Knights Alumni Chapter in 2018, the Marching Knights Mentorship Program plans to foster meaningful relationships between Marching Knights alumni and current Marching Knights students. The program provides alumni with the opportunity to give back to their alma mater, expand their network and enhance their resume, while supporting the educational and professional development and experience of current MK students.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management Mentor Program connects current students with alumni who offer guidance, advice, and industry insights. This program creates meaningful connections to help assist students as they navigate their academic goals and discover their career ambitions. Through their participation, students have access to critical expertise and insights and alumni have the opportunity to help hospitality students thrive.

How to Participate

Alumni

Impact the life of a future alumknight by participating in this year’s program.

If you are interested in serving as a mentor, please follow the instructions below. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2024.

Instructions for Signing up - New to Knights Network
  1. Sign up on  UCF Knights Network
    • Select Alumni Affiliation.
    • When asked “Which formal mentorship program are you applying for?”
    • select the desired mentorship program.
    • Select your First, Second and Third choices on areas you can help your mentee develop.
    • Answer the question “Mentors: Are you willing to have 2 mentees?”
    • Answer the question “What are your specific areas of interest related to your degree program?”
  2. Complete your Profile.
    • Add a headshot and include your academic and professional experience.
    • Under “Offer Mentoring” check the box for your desired mentorship program.
  3. Wait to be matched!
    • Once accepted, you will be added to the group for your desired mentorship program.
    • You will receive an email notification through Knights Network after you have been matched in mid-September.

Still need help? Watch our tutorial on creating a UCF Knights Network account.

Instructions for signing up - Already on Knights Network
  1. Visit UCF Knights Network
    • Click Edit Profile.
    • Add a headshot and include your academic and professional experience including your college and degree.
    • Under “Offer Mentoring” check the box for your desired mentorship program.
    • Scroll to the bottom and under “Other Information”
      • Answer the first five questions.
      • Answer the last question “What are your specific areas of interest related to your degree program?”
    • Click SAVE.
  2. Wait to be matched!
    • You will receive an email notification through Knights Network after you have been matched in mid-September.

Still need help? Watch our tutorial on how to join a mentorship group.

Why should I participate as a mentor?

Our hope is that mentoring will be a positive and enriching experience where you will be able to:

  • Refine your coaching and mentoring skills
  • Develop meaningful connections with current students and provide a positive impact as they prepare to enter the industry
  • Experience a connection with UCF and be in the know of all university happenings
Students

Alumni are an invaluable resource. Build a networking of relationships to support you during your education

If you are interested in having a mentor, please register and complete your profile today. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2024.

Instructions for Signing Up - New to Knights Network
  1. Sign up on UCF Knights Network
    1. Select Student Affiliation.
    2. When asked “Which formal mentorship program are you applying for?” select the desired mentorship program.
    3. Select your First, Second and Third choices on areas you want your mentor to help develop.
    4. Answer the question “What are your specific areas of interest related to your degree program?”
  2. Complete your Profile.
    1. Add a headshot and include your academic and professional experience.
    2. Under “Seek Mentoring” check the box for your desired mentorship program
  3. Wait to be matched!
    1. Once accepted, you will be added to the group for your desired mentorship program
    2. You will receive an email notification through Knights Network after you have been matched in mid-September.

Still need help?  Watch our tutorial on creating a UCF Knights Network account.

Instructions for Signing up - Already on Knights Network
  1. Visit UCF Knights Network
  2. Click Edit Profile.
  3. Add a headshot and include your academic and professional experience including your college and degree.
  4. Under “Seek Mentoring” check the box for your desired mentorship program.
  5. Scroll to the bottom and under “Other Information”
  6. Answer the first four questions.
  7. Answer the last question “What are your specific areas of interest related to your degree program?”
  8. Don’t forget to save.
  9. Wait to be matched!
  10. Once accepted, you will be added to the group for you desired mentorship program.
  11. You will receive an email notification through Knights Network after you have been matched in mid-September.


Still need help? Watch our tutorial on how to join a mentorship group.

Why should I participate as a mentee?
Having a mentor can contribute enormously to your success in future professional aspirations. Much of the learning that contributes to our success happens not only in the classroom, but through real world experience. Without a mentor, that learning occurs mostly through trial and error. With a mentor, however, even experienced professionals can benefit from the experiences and expertise of someone who has withstood the trial and can help us avoid the error. Similarly, those new to the industry or interested in learning about the industry will discover that being a mentee shortens the learning curve for acquiring the skills and knowledge most critical to a successful career. Additional skills you can gain from participating are: Learning new things about yourself: The self-reflection that can result from a mentoring relationship can be a powerful growth experience and provide you with new insights about yourself Making more of your strengths and exploring your hidden talents: A good mentor will push you to do more with your strengths Expanding your personal network: Entering a mentoring relationship adds your mentor to your personal network, and may lead to an introduction to the individuals in the mentor’s network A source of referrals: Your mentor may refer you to other mentors once they have a better understanding of your needs, abilities, and goals

FAQs

Program Timeline

  • Applications Open Aug. 11 2024
  • Applications Close Sept. 2, 2024
  • Matching Mid-September
  • Meet Your Match Sept. 24, 2024
  • Program End May 1, 2024

Program Schedule

  • Mentorship Milestone 1 Sept. 24, 2024
    Mentorship Kickoff Mixer and Pre-survey
  • Mentorship Milestone 2 Oct. 16, 2024
    Career Coach Webinar
  • Mentorship Milestone 3 Nov. 15, 2024
    Resume Activity
  • Mentorship Milestone 4 Feb. 19, 2025
    Career Coach Webinar
  • Mentorship Milestone 5 March 14, 2025
    Interview Activity
  • Mentorship Milestone 6 April/May 2025
    End of Year Survey
Mentorship programs are designed to foster professional development through mentor-mentee connections. University of Central Florida students and alumni are matched based on the specific skills the student wishes to develop.
The in-person Mentorship Kickoff Mixer is for all mentors and mentees participating this academic year. Participants will learn about the UCF Knights Network and the milestones they are expected to complete as part of the program.
Event registration details will be provided after the mentorship recruitment deadline. For those unable to attend in person, instructions will be sent via email.
 
September 24, 2024
Mentorship Milestone 1: Mentorship Kickoff Mixer and Pre-survey
Remember to check off your milestone as COMPLETE in Knights Network after this task.
October 16, 2024
Mentorship Milestone 2: Career Coach Webinar
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to attend this session to learn how to create a resume. Remember to check off your milestone as COMPLETE in Knights Network after this task.
November 15, 2024
Mentorship Milestone 3: Resume Activity
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet to discuss key insights from the October 16th session and to update the mentee’s resume accordingly. The expectation is to complete this task by November 15. Remember to check off your milestone as COMPLETE in Knights Network after this task.
February 19, 2025
Mentorship Milestone 4, Career Coach Webinar
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to attend this session to learn how to prepare for interview. Remember to check off your milestone as COMPLETE in Knights Network after this task.
March 14, 2025
Mentorship Milestone 5: Interview Activity
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet to discuss key insights from the February 19th session and complete their interview activity together. Remember to check off your milestone as COMPLETE in Knights Network after this task.
April/May 2025
Mentorship Milestone 6: End of Year Survey

The mentor program for the 2024-2025 academic year will run from September-May.

The deadline to apply to be a mentor or mentee is Sept. 2 at 11:59 p.m.

You can find mentorship resources in UCF Knights Network

Questions?

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