Grad LEAP: Alumni Mentoring Program for Graduate Students

Grad LEAP is intended to:

•  Prepare graduate students to meet a range of challenges by providing them with personalized support from Blue Hen graduate alumni who can share invaluable insights from their own academic and professional experiences.

• Provide graduate students with a structured means of initiating and maintaining a professional relationship with graduate alumni through personalized one-on-one advice and support.

• Build connections and community between UD graduate students and graduate alumni who can support graduate students in navigating their academic, personal and professional goals.

• Help graduate students spark meaningful conversations with their alumni mentors and others in their professional network. 

How it works: 

•  Students and alumni complete a matching survey to share their career interests and goals.

• Participating alumni receive mentor training.

• The match is based on academic and professional interests and lived experiences.

• After the mentor-mentee pair is established, the mentor and mentee work together to decide when and how they prefer to connect, which can happen via email, phone, video chat, text or in person. We recommend that the mentor and mentee get in touch with each other at least once a month.

• The mentorship program officially wraps up at the end of the academic year. However, the mentors and mentees are encouraged to stay in touch beyond the program

Mentee Testimonials

“I participated last academic year and I was assigned an incredible mentor who I continue to meet with even after the program ended. My mentor provided me with introductions to key collaborative partners for my dissertation research as well as advice on professional development, personal challenges, and how to foster opportunities for myself. I also tested dissertation ideas with her during our conversations and she furthered my thinking which helped me develop a more robust proposal. I have also learned from her own community service and current work. I encourage you to take advantage of this program regardless of where you are in your studies.”
- PhD Student from College of Education and Human Development

“[My mentor] has provided me with feedback on my cover letter and resume, which was pretty helpful and constructive. He also talked about the importance of talking with other people, and how I should be confident in myself.”
- PhD Student from College of Engineering

“[My mentor] has identified a range of internal courses (at the University of Delaware) and external courses that will enhance my skill set and, ultimately, boost my career prospects in the planning world. He's been very helpful! He's recommended several contacts to me to broaden my network and engage with other dimensions of planning to potentially bring forth research opportunities and work experience”
- PhD Student from the Biden School of Public Policy

Mentor Testimonials

“This mentoring relationship makes me feel much more connected to the University of Delaware. In particular, it makes me feel useful and helpful, which is really nice”
- PhD Alumnus from College of Engineering

“I was able to talk [my mentee] through a day on the job as a PI in the industry from the point of view of an Engineer and a Chemist. I talked about my experience when I was at the stage that she is and the resources I had at my disposal. I talked about some concerns I had and what I learned. She seems to be very appreciative to hear my perspective.”
- PhD Alumnus from College of Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions