Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship Program – FAQs
General Program Questions
What is the Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship Program?
The Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship Program connects students with alumni, professionals, and community leaders who volunteer their time to mentor students. The program helps students develop career skills, set goals, and navigate the transition from college to the workforce.
Why was this program created?
The program was created to support students in achieving academic and career success through mentorship. Many Florida Atlantic students are the first in their families to attend college and benefit from guidance from experienced professionals.
Who can participate as a mentor?
Mentors may include:
- FAU alumni
- Industry professionals
- Community leaders
- Individuals interested in supporting student success
Mentors are matched with undergraduate or graduate students based on interests, background, and availability.
When will I be matched?
You will receive your formal mentoring match in August! If you would like to be matched earlier, and are available in the summer, please let us know your preference at presidentialmentor@fau.edu
Mentor Commitment
How much time does mentoring require?
Mentors are asked to commit approximately one hour per week (one hour biweekly or 30 minutes weekly) to connect with their student, set goals, track progress, and provide guidance.
What support do mentors receive?
Mentors receive:
- A short orientation or training session (options available in-person and virtually)
- Access to a mentoring toolkit and resources
- Support from a program coordinator throughout the mentoring relationship.
What kinds of topics do mentors discuss with students?
Mentors typically support students with:
- Career exploration and professional development
- Networking and industry insight
- Academic goal setting
- Confidence building and personal development
- Navigating college and preparing for the workforce
Student Impact
How does mentorship benefit students?
Research and program outcomes show that mentoring can help students:
- Stay enrolled and persist toward graduation
- Increase engagement with campus resources
- Build confidence and professional skills
Why is mentorship important at FAU?
At Florida Atlantic:
- About one-third of students are first-generation college students
- Around 40% come from low-income households
Mentorship helps provide guidance and support that many students may not otherwise have access to.
Getting Involved
How do I become a mentor?
Interested mentors can click learn more and complete the matching survey for the program that best fits them! The program team will follow up with the next steps and match mentors with students based on shared interests and experience.
How are mentors matched with students?
Matches are made based on:
- Professional background
- Career interests
- Availability
- Personal interests or experiences
The goal is to create meaningful mentoring relationships that support student success.
Do mentors need previous mentoring experience?
No. Previous mentoring experience is helpful but not required. Orientation and resources are provided to support mentors throughout the program.