CBE’s Mentor Program helps students grow in their chosen field through one-on-one guidance, advice, and insight from a professional mentor. Mentoring pairs discuss student career goals and interests and then work together to pursue those goals through career exploration, networking, and professional skill development.
Program Overview
Mentorship is a process in which an experienced individual helps another person develop their goals and skills through on-going, supportive conversations and learning exercises.
The mission of the CBE Mentor Program is to assist students in making a successful and informed transition from college to career, preferably in their field of interest. The program aspires to provide a mentor to every CBE student wanting guidance from a CBE graduate and/or industry professional.
The following CBE programs and departments have opted into the CBE Mentor Program:
- Architecture (undergraduate and graduate degree programs)
- Community, Environment & Planning (CEP undergraduate program)
- Construction Management (pre-majors, undergraduate and graduate degree programs)
- Landscape Architecture (undergraduate and graduate degree programs)
- Master of Infrastructure Planning and Management (MIPM)
Watch video overview for mentors
Watch video overview for mentees
Benefits to students
Mentorships help students transition from college to career by helping them:
- Clarify career goals and expectations
- Become more self-aware about values and strengths
- Develop job-seeking skills, industry knowledge, confidence, and accountability
- Practice inquiry and self-reflection
- Expand professional networks
- Cultivate an ally in the field
A mentorship does not guarantee a job or an internship (paid or unpaid), but it can lead to one in some cases. Under no circumstances should mentees be asked to do unpaid work.
Time Commitment
The program hosts a kick-off event in early November, where mentors and mentees will meet for the first time. Following this event, mentor/mentee pairs meet at least once more during Autumn quarter, and at least twice each quarter in Winter and Spring. The program provides a handbook that includes topics for discussion and suggested activities.
How to sign up
Students and professionals interested in being matched in a mentor/mentee relationship must apply through the Husky Landing platform.
1) Create an account in Husky Landing if you don’t already have one. This step includes creating a professional profile similar to a LinkedIn profile. (For quick account set up, you can import your LinkedIn profile.) You will receive an email notification that your account has been accepted in the Husky Landing network. This may take 1-2 business days.
2) Once your Husky Landing application has been approved (or if you already have an account), sign on and select the Programs tab. Select the CBE Mentor Program page; you will then be taken to a program overview page. Click the “Join” button in the upper right. You’ll be directed to a short survey of multiple-choice questions which will help us match you with your pair partner. We will try our best to match mentors and mentees according to their preferences.
Program Timeline for AY 2023-24
| Mentor applications accepted | Preferred by September 30; must be submitted no later than Friday, October 20 to attend kick-off event in November |
| Student applications accepted | No later than Friday, October 20 to attend kick-off event in November |
| Matches announced | Late October |
| Kick-off event and first meeting between mentor/mentee pairs | November 6, 2023, 6 – 8:30 p.m., HUB Lyceum, Seattle campus |
| Second meeting between mentor/mentee pairs | November or December 2023 |
| Mentorship continues | Winter and Spring quarters, 2024, at least 2x per quarter — schedule to be determined by mentorship pairs |
| Year-end event | Late May or early June, TBD |
Student FAQs
Q: Can the program match me with a mentor who has a specific identity or area of expertise?
A: Yes! The sign-up process allows you to specify your preferences. The program will do its absolute best to match you with a mentor that meets your criteria.
Q: I have some constraints that would require me to work with a mentor remotely? Is this possible?
Yes, remote mentorships are possible. In fact, some of our mentors work out-of-state, even internationally.
Q: I’m not sure what I would ask my mentor. Can you suggest some topics?
A: The CBE Mentor Program provides a handbook that suggests a long list of discussion topics and activities. It also helps you define your goals for the mentorship.
Q: I’m unable to attend the kick-off event on November 6. Can I still have a mentor?
A: Absolutely! We’ll help you connect with your mentor regardless if you can attend the kick-off event. We still recommend that you sign up for the program by October 20 to help us find the best match for you.
Q: I haven’t declared my major yet. Can I still have a mentor through this program?
A: Only pre-majors in Construction Management can sign up for a mentor through this program. For all other departments, mentees must be enrolled in a degree program. Some departments also coordinate peer-to-peer mentorships. Check with your degree program advisor.
Mentor FAQs
Q: I live outside of the area / state / country. Can I still serve as a mentor?
A: Yes, the program welcomes mentors from across the globe to participate through online meetings with their mentees.
Q: I have the desire and capacity to mentor more than one student. Can you accommodate that?
A: Yes. When you register through the Husky Landing platform, you will be given an opportunity to request more than one mentee. This can be very helpful to the program, as student demand is high.
Further questions from students or mentors
We answer many questions in the video overviews linked to above. If you have additional questions, contact: Teri Thomson Randall at cbementor@uw.edu