Program Overview:

Students in their final year at Harris are matched one-to-one with a mentor who has a similar interest in their policy area, career history, geographic location, personal identity or affinity, or other matching factors. This commitment is flexible; students can meet with their mentor on a schedule that best for them, virtually or in-person depending on your circumstances. The program is designed to work in a way that fits both mentor and mentee needs and schedules. We do expect that mentors and mentees have a minimum of one touchpoint per month (whether phone, email, or meeting) for the duration of the academic year.

The one-on-one mentorship relationship last for the entire academic year.  Mentors and mentees will be expected to have a minimum of one touchpoint per month (whether phone, email, or meeting) for the duration of the academic year.  The program provides a suggested curriculum of topics to help guide the relationship and meet program outcomes.  Students must apply for the program and complete all of the application requirements. While we strive to match all applicants we do not guarantee students will be matched one on one with a Harris mentor.  Students will be matched with their mentor at the start of the Autumn academic quarter.  Much of the interactions between mentees and mentors is driven by the pairs themselves, however signature programming will be offered throughout the year to give mentees and mentors additional opportunities to interact and foster their relationship. 

Programming includes:

• Mentor Program Dinners: The Mentor Program hosts small groups of mentees and mentors at dinners throughout the academic year. This opportunity allows students to expand their professional networks beyond their own Harris mentor. 
• Alumni & Student Leadership Reception: To close out the formal one-on-one mentor relationship and celebrate another fantastic year of mentorship, the Harris Mentor Program hosts this reception as part of Harris Reunion Weekend. We also congratulate our Mentor of the Year, hear from our keynote speaker, and enjoy a networking reception.

Outcomes:

As a result of participating in the mentorship match of the Mentor Program participants will;

• Have an increased awareness of their own personal strengths and talents. (Developmental Outcome)
• Have an increased awareness of their long-term career and personal goals. (Developmental Outcome)
• Be able to articulate long term trajectory of a career path(s) within their policy area(s) of interest. (Learning Outcome)
• Be able to articulate companies/organizations that operate within their policy area(s) of interest. (Learning Outcome)
• Gain feedback on resume/cover letter/interviewing from someone in their policy area(s) of interest. (Program Outcome)
• Gain an increased understanding of how to make targeted referrals and introductions to policy practitioners working in their areas of interest, targeted geographic areas, and/or organizations of interest. (Developmental Outcome)