Welcome to the Student-to-Alumni Mentoring Program! Michigan Public Health has been a premier program of public health, bringing together trailblazers and difference-makers from across the globe since 1941. The mentorship program connects students with trusted alumni to ask questions, seek advice, and receive support. Our goal is to help students broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the field.

This handbook serves as a guide to help you make the most of your mentorship experience. Inside, you will find the program overview, mentorship resources, and contact information for any questions you may have along the way. The purpose of this program is to foster connections within the Michigan Public Health community and promote dialogue about the field of public health. The program spans six months from November to April.

The School of Public Health is committed to creating environments that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Student-to-Alumni Mentorship Program fosters connections within the Michigan Public Health community by pairing current students with public health professionals. The program provides students with an opportunity to learn from a mentor, receive guidance, and explore different career paths, industries, and ideas. While this formal program is structured around the academic year, mentors and mentees are encouraged to explore options for continuing their relationships.

Mentees:

• Connect with the vast Michigan Public Health alumni network for professional development.

• Explore individualized personal development, including:

  • Field and workplace fit

  • Preparation during the degree program

  • Developing application materials

  • Seeking advice from experienced professionals

Mentors:

• Reconnect with Michigan Public Health and support future public health leaders.

• Assist student mentees with individual goals and development.

• Gain a renewed passion for their work and a fresh perspective.

Mentorship resources are available to help structure each meeting under the Mentorship Meetings tab. Additional resources sorted by topic are available under the Program Resources tab. 

Mentoring pairs will communicate 1-3 hours per month using preferred communication tools or meetings. The time commitment and preferences are determined by the mentor and mentee during initial meetings, but it is recommended to connect at minimum once per month.

• Support the Mentee's Professional Development: Engage in conversations to discuss challenges, successes, and progress toward goals.

  • Listen to and help clarify mentee goals.

  • Brainstorm and identify clear next steps to achieve mentee’s goals.

  • Support mentee’s development with discussion and activity-based learning.

  • Coach mentee (as needed) in managing/taking the lead on the mentoring relationship.

• Share Your Perspective as a Public Health Graduate: Offer insights and experiences from your professional journey.

• Encourage Communication and Follow-Up: Check in regularly to support ongoing engagement.

• Initiate and Drive the Relationship: Reflect on personal goals for the program and facilitate meetings.

• Schedule, Plan, Follow Up:

  • Meet and communicate at least once per month.

  • Establish meetings at least 2 weeks in advance.

  • Plan meetings by setting and communicating the agenda ahead of time, and send follow-up emails.

• Support matching mentors and mentees and facilitating introductions

• Communication about time-sensitive goals.

• Information and resources for planning discussions.

• Facilitating connections with a broader community of alumni and students.

• Staff support for any questions (contact information provided below).

As a mentor, you are an important member of the team that is supporting students in their career development and job search. SPH students can draw on the support of their faculty advisors, university-wide resources such as the University Career Center, and also meet the SPH Careers team. To help understand the differences between your role as a mentor and the role an SPH Career Coach, please see below:

Over the next six months, mentors and mentees are invite to connect in an effort to fuel growth, learning, and personal development within the field of public health. Each month, your will participate in focused meetings and discussions aimed at empowering mentees to reach their full potential. You are welcome to use the resources and outline below, or create your own detailed plans and meeting agendas. Detailed information and resources for each month of the program can be accessed by clicking on the links below:

• October - Meet Your Mentor: Kick off the year by getting to know your mentor and building a strong foundation for your relationship. Use this time to share backgrounds, set expectations, and begin fostering trust and connection.

• November - Setting Goals: Work together to set meaningful and actionable goals for the months ahead. Align these goals with your academic progress, career interests, and personal development.

• December - Your "Why" in Public Health: Reflect on what drew you to public health and what continues to inspire you. Discuss with your mentor how your values and motivations can shape your career path.

• January – Expanding Your Network: Grow your professional connections and sharpen your networking skills. Talk with your mentor about their own networking strategies and identify opportunities to practice building relationships in the field.

• February – Choose Your Own Adventure: Take the lead by selecting a topic that’s meaningful to your mentorship pairing. Whether it’s preparing for an interview, exploring a specific career path, or seeking feedback on a resume, mentees will drive the conversation and make the most of your time together as you look towards the end of the program.

• March – Gratitude and Goodbyes: As the program winds down, reflect on your experience and celebrate the progress you've made. Share gratitude with your mentor and discuss how to stay connected moving forward.

If your mentoring relationship is not working as expected, share feedback or concerns with your Department Coordinator or the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement (sph.mentorship@umich.edu). Your feedback helps us improve the mentorship experience for the Michigan Public Health community.