Launched in 2011, the USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Mentoring Program connects current USC undergraduate and graduate students with alumni mentors.
These partnerships support the USC LGBTQ+ community by helping participating students navigate the professional world, while giving our alumni mentors the opportunity to reconnect with USC and share their valuable career experiences.
Student mentees engage in skill-building workshops on such topics as networking, interviewing, and resume and cover letter writing, which give them the marketable tools they need to successfully begin their professional journeys.
Serving as a mentor can be personally rewarding and a great way to give back, while reconnecting with USC.
Mentor Responsibilities
To help create a meaningful and transformational experience, the USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Mentoring Program asks both mentors and mentees to commit to their respective roles. Those interested in serving as mentors should anticipate investing roughly 20 hours over the course of the year. Mentors are required to:
- Attend the Kick-Off Meeting in October (please review the Mentor Manual beforehand), as well as the following three mandatory events:
- Fall Clinic: TBD
- Spring Clinic: TBD
- New Scholars Reception and Lavender Celebration: April
- Participate in at least four substantive meetings with their mentee during the term of the program (October-May).
- Maintain regular communication with their mentee, either virtually or via additional face-to-face meetings.
- Notify the mentoring director(s) promptly if unable to attend a mentorship program/event; if the mentoring relationship is not working; and/or if there is a breach in professionalism in the relationship.
To help encourage interactions with other mentors and mentees, additional optional events will be offered to program participants throughout the year.
If you have questions or concerns about the meetings, events or the overall mentoring program, please contact USC Lambda.
Mentor/Mentee Matching
Whenever possible, our goal is to match mentors and mentees based on similar professional interests. Otherwise, we match mentees with mentors who share other interests, or who have skills/strengths that may help a mentee with his/her career journey. Ultimately, we believe the ideal mentorship dynamic comes from linking a mentor willing to teach and guide with a mentee open to learning.
Applying to Serve as a Mentor
Applications are currently closed.
The mentor application is online and consists of four sections that ask about background and work experience.
Being a mentee can be a great way to gain insights into the professional workplace, build skills and learn from experts in a specific field. The program aims to provide the foundation necessary for establishing a lasting professional relationship that is mutually enriching for both mentee and mentor.
Mentee Responsibilities
If you are selected as a mentee, you will be matched with a mentor who has chosen to spend valuable time guiding your professional development. It is important that you respect their commitment by investing in creating a meaningful and transformational mentoring relationship. We ask that you spend roughly 20 hours with your mentor over the course of the year. Mentees must:
- Attend the Kick-Off Meeting in October, as well as the following three mandatory events:
- Fall Clinic: TBD
- Spring Clinic: TBD
- New Scholars Reception and Lavender Celebration: April
- Participate in at least four substantive meetings with their mentor during the term of the program (October-May). Please notify your mentor in advance if you need to reschedule a confirmed meeting.
- Maintain regular communication with their mentor, either virtually or via additional face-to-face meetings.
- Notify the mentoring director(s) promptly if unable to attend a mentorship program/event; if the mentoring relationship is not working; and/or if there is a breach in professionalism in the relationship.
To help encourage interactions with other mentors and mentees, additional optional events will be offered to program participants throughout the year.
If you have questions or concerns about the meetings, events or the overall mentoring program, please contact USC Lambda.
Mentor/Mentee Matching
Whenever possible, our goal is to match mentors and mentees based on similar professional interests. Otherwise, we match mentees with mentors who share other interests, or who have skills/strengths that may help a mentee with his/her career journey. Ultimately, we believe the ideal mentorship dynamic comes from linking a mentor willing to teach and guide with a mentee open to learning.
Applying to Be a Mentee
Applications are currently closed.
The mentee application is online and consists of four sections that ask about background and your aspirations and professional goals.