1. You will learn what it’s really like to work in a specific career field or for a particular company. You can (and should) research online to understand what a typical day for a high school teacher is like or what it would feel like to spend 12 hours a day working at a top law firm; however, speaking with someone who has that job or works for that company is the best way to get the real scoop on a career field and to determine whether or not you would enjoy it.
2. Learn what it takes to be a success. Having a mentor allows you to hear the personal stories of how people succeeded in the exact career field that you are hoping to enter. These stories allow you to move beyond the generic “Desired Qualifications” listed on job descriptions and see what skills it really takes to be a success in a specific field.
3. It really works. As mentioned before, mentoring is NOT about asking for a job or internship. However, many opportunities are filled by candidates who heard about positions from “word of mouth” – not a job board. So the more you network, the more likely you will benefit from these “word of mouth” opportunities.

Searching the site, you may use several criteria including:

• Departmental Major
• Professional/Graduate Degree
• Geographic location
• Career field

After identifying those people you would like to contact, the next step is reaching out to them. Please note the individual’s preferred method of contact. Do not call someone who prefers contact via e-mail!

In your introductory correspondence, you should include:

• A short introduction of yourself
• Why you are writing to this person and your connection to them. For example, “I am a member of the Trinitones as you were when you were a student,” or “I play field hockey.”
• A short explanation of your interest or experiences in the contact’s career field, company or location.
• And finally, a short statement about why you want to talk. Make it clear that you are asking him or her for information and advice - do NOT ask for an internship or job!

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

I am a senior at Trinity College interested in pursuing a career in environmental law. I am contacting you because of your position as an attorney at one of the top environmental law firms in the country. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet or talk with you about your law school experience and about the field of environmental law more generally.

I am majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Legal Studies. This semester I am also interning at the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality. My coursework and internship experience have confirmed my interest in environmental law, and I plan on applying to law school following my graduation from Trinity.

I would like to arrange a time to discuss your background, experiences and any advice you could offer a student trying to enter this career field. I understand that your time is valuable, and I would be grateful for any advice you may have for me. I will email/call you within the week to follow up on this message. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jane Smith

E-mail Address
Phone Number

Before speaking with any potential contact, you need to do your homework:

Create a list of questions to ask. You do not want to appear as though you are reading from a script, but you do want to make sure you have questions prepared ahead of time. You should prepare questions to ask about a person’s personal background and experiences; the company he or she works for, and the career field in general. Here are a few examples:


Personal Background Questions:


• What was your undergraduate major? How big a role did it play in your career choice?
• Did your college education provide sound preparation for this job? What would you have done differently at college to help you obtain and succeed in this job?
• What types of jobs have you held since graduation?
• How did you first get interested in this line of work? What has been your career path?
• What do you enjoy most and least about your work in this field and why?
• What is your typical day like? What kind of hours do you work?
• What skills do you use most on a daily basis?
• What are your major responsibilities?
• What kind of obligations does your work place upon you outside of the ordinary workweek?
• What accomplishments in your career have been most rewarding?
• Do you enjoy your job? Why?
• What sort of stresses are there in this job?
• What are your career goals for the future? What are the future career opportunities in this field?
  
  
Company Questions:


• How would you describe the work environment at ____?
• How does your organization compare with other organizations in this field?
• What is a typical career path in your company? Does your company offer any training programs?
• What is your organization’s mission?
• How is the hiring done at your company? What qualities are looked for in an applicant? What should I emphasize in my application materials? Whom would I contact about applying?
  
  
Career Field Questions:


• What credentials or educational licenses are required for entry into this kind of work?
• What kind of work experience would employers look for in a potential job applicant? How can I obtain this work experience?
• What are the most important characteristics and skills needed to be successful in this field?
• What changes have occurred or are occurring in your field?
• What is the best time of year to apply? What job search approaches or strategies do you suggest? What type of resume, cover letter, or other materials are preferred by employers in the field?
• What are the typical jobs, particularly at the entry level? What is the salary range for these positions?
• What challenges do you see evolving in your industry?
• Can you recommend specific publications or resources that would be helpful for conducting research about this field?
• My strongest qualities are (skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits). Where would they fit into this field?

• Could you refer me to resources that might help me learn more – professional organizations, etc.?
• Would you suggest others who might be valuable sources of information or job contacts for me? May I have permission to use your name when I call or contact them?
• If you were me, what would you do next to pursue my interest in this field?
• May I contact you again?

Follow up on all leads and contacts. If your original contact referred you to someone else or another resource, make sure to follow up on those leads quickly. It is important to show your original contact that you value his or her advice by acting on it promptly.

Keep in touch with contacts. Make sure to keep in touch with your networking contacts even after the initial conversation – let them know how the suggestions and leads they provided work out for you. Give your contacts updates as your job or internship search progresses – networking contacts are sincerely interested in what happens to you and your career.

Say “Thank you!” It is important to thank each alumnus/a who has assisted you in any way. Be sure to send a thank-you e-mail/card shortly after your initial contact.

(NB: DO NOT USE THIS SITE TO UPDATE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. THESE CHANGES MUST CONTINUE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR.)

Conclusion: Please be respectful of the information provided on this site and of the privacy of those individuals who have agreed to provide you with their time and guidance.

In the case that the College hears any report of misuse of the system by a student or alumnus/a, that individual will instantly be denied access to the Online Community and the BAM Network.

Click here to get started