THE Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) has launched the Thomasian Alumni Virtual Mentorship Program, which offers one-on-one sessions with alumni mentors to help students navigate their career paths.
Open to all UST alumni willing to share their expertise and current students seeking mentorship, the program aims to help Thomasians align their academic goals with their career aspirations.
Registration for the pilot phase opened on Nov. 26 and closed within the day, with over a hundred applicants vying for slots.
Asst. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, director of the alumni office, said the program’s expansion would depend on the success of the pilot phase.
“Don’t worry because we will have [upcoming] batches, so we can also provide them with this kind of opportunity. It’s good to know that many wanted to engage,” Rocamora told the Varsitarian.
The mentorship program is designed to guide students in navigating their career paths, preparing for industry realities, and understanding professional timelines based on their experiences, interests, and skills.
Rocamora said this would help students select suitable career paths.
“It could be preparation for after their graduation. [It will help them know] what are those [things] expected of them and then, at the same time, it will [help] them discern if that is the right track.”
From January to February 2025, UST alumni will be screened based on their resumes to determine eligibility as mentors. Those selected will undergo orientation and training workshops.
Student applications will open in April, with mentorship sessions scheduled from August to December. Mentors and mentees will be matched based on their interests, career goals, and academic backgrounds.
Alumni mentors will receive allowances, while the program is free of charge for student mentees. Accepted applicants will receive login credentials to the OAR website to access the program.
Rocamora emphasized that the program is part of the OAR’s efforts to “bridge the gap” between UST students and alumni.
“Right now, we are in an interconnected world. Virtual platforms provide this kind of convenient and efficient way to connect with our alumni across distances,” she said.
“Hopefully, we’d be able to foster a sense of community, a Thomasian community, through guidance and support in making the most of the mentorship experience.”
