Mentorship

One of the most important things you can do early on is finding experienced students or alumni in various fields who are able to provide you with suggestions, feedback, and insights. Keep in mind: you are not looking for a “lifelong guide” – what you want to look for are so called “mentorship moments”: small, informal interactions where you receive guidance or support. The best places to seek out such moments are places where “mentors” hang out—student organizations, clubs, university events, &c.

In seeking mentorship, you should try to be “curious” (“If you were a freshman, what would you do?”, “Can I get your perspective on ______?”) rather than “needy” (“Will you be my mentor?”); show interest by following up and displaying progress; most of all, be useful—mentorship is not “one way” (can you help them with research? design? give feedback if they ask for it?).

Finding yourself a mentor early on will help you learn and adapt quicker, give you greater confidence, and allow you to avoid common pitfalls. 

 

Networking is the act of creating genuine connections with people who can share insights, opportunities, advice, or opportunities. It’s not just about asking for help, it’s about learning from others, exchanging ideas, and staying connected over time. You might be networking when you:

 

• ask a senior how they got their research position;
• chat with a guest speaker after an event;
• visit a professor’s office hours just to ask about their career or research;
• introduce yourself to someone at a club meeting and staying in touch;
• talk to company representatives during the AUCA Career Fair - and later send a thank-you email;
• connect with alumni through LinkedIn or at AUCA alumni events.

You can do it by: being curious, listening more than you talk by showing interest, following up on your progress, and, most importantly start early – don’t wait until you need a job. If the first time someone hears from you is when you're asking for help, it may feel self-interested.

Remember: Networking is not about collecting contacts; it’s about cultivating relationships. When done authentically, networking leads to opportunities, mentorship, and a stronger sense of community.