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Synergy of Success: Alumni Mentoring, Career Development and Academic Partnerships

• Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
• Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET
• Location: Online
• Fee: $69 (member); $89 (nonmember);

• All functional areas and divisions on campus, from Admissions and Student Engagement to Alumni Relations and faculty chairs or deans, can contribute to a career-preparation driven focus that supplements the academic curriculum of the institution. One of the most cost-effective ways to cultivate this type of cross-campus collaboration is a comprehensive mentoring program. At Iona University, we have found that many of our alumni are more than willing to volunteer their time by serving as a mentor to current students and supporting them in their career exploration process. We have anchored the mentoring program with a 1-credit course that students can enroll in to not only be paired with an alumni mentor, but to receive in-classroom instruction on topics such as: how to write a professional resume and cover letter; how to ace the interview process; how to craft an effective LinkedIn page, and more.

• Summary

  In recent years, colleges and universities have faced growing pressure to meet the career expectations of students and their families. The rising cost of tuition has led many to question the return on investment, expecting degrees to offer vocational training, networking opportunities, and competitive post-graduate salaries. This raises the question: How can institutions meet these expectations? Cross-campus collaboration is key. Functional areas from admissions to alumni relations can contribute to a career-focused approach that supplements the academic curriculum. At Iona University, we have developed a cost-effective solution: a comprehensive mentoring program. Many alumni volunteer as mentors, supporting current students in their career exploration. Our mentoring program is anchored by a one-credit course that pairs students with alumni mentors and provides instruction on resume writing, interview skills, LinkedIn profiles, and more. To build support for this program, our president, Dr. Seamus Carey, launched the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program. This initiative focuses on career preparation through student-alumni mentoring opportunities. An advisory board ensures continuous improvement and involvement from campus partners and alumni. We are eager to share our experience, showcasing the collaboration between alumni engagement and career development. We will discuss our preparation for the program launch, sustaining support, and plans for expansion. Key points will include curriculum development for the one-credit course, career development workshops, and the careful selection and preparation of alumni mentors. 

  Following this program, you will be able to:

  • Learn strategies and best practices for educational institutions and alumni associations to recruit alumni mentors, incorporate career development, and build academic partnerships for the holistic growth of students and institutions;
  • Understand how these interconnected elements create a more comprehensive and effective support system for students and recent graduates; and
  • Learn tactics for implementing and sustaining successful alumni mentoring programs and take practical steps toward replicating these successes in your educational or professional environments.

• Event Details

  Registration includes three-month, post-event access to the webinar archive.

  To view the presentation, supplemental materials, attendee list, your receipt, and your confirmation, use the "I’d Like To" option next to the Synergy of Success: Alumni Mentoring, Career Development and Academic Partnerships listing in MyNACE > Events. Remember to download your copy of the presentation deck (available one to two days prior to the webinar). A video archive will be available there as well within five (5) business days of the webinar's completion.

  To see the NACE cancellation policy, please visit our FAQ page.

• Format

  During this one-hour webinar, the presenter will deliver a synchronized audio and PowerPoint presentation. Participants will have time for live Q&A throughout the program and may be asked to contribute opinions or feedback via live chat, virtual polling, and other mechanisms.

  
  
  

• Presenters

  

  Tricia Mulligan, Provost, Iona University

  

  Jennifer Friary, Director of Career Development, Iona University

  Jennifer Friary began her career in 2005, guiding students toward meaningful careers. At St. John’s University, she focused on employer relations and developed career programs for business students. In 2022, she returned to her alma mater, Iona University, as the director of the Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Iona University, a Master of Science in counseling from Pace University, and an advanced degree in instructional leadership from St. John’s University. Her qualifications include certifications as a Strong Interest Inventory and MBTI practitioner, as well as the NACE Career Coaching Intensive Certification. Beyond her institutional roles, she has been an active leader in EACE since 2014. She co-chaired the Grants and Scholarships Committee from 2022 to 2024 and contributed to the Leadership and Recognition Committee and the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. Throughout her career, she has exemplified the power of mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning, empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

  

  David Nielsen, Director, Iona University

  David Nielsen is the senior director of alumni engagement and annual giving at Iona University. Previously the assistant director for student-alumni engagement within the Office of Alumni Engagement at Iona, he served as the primary contact for the university’s Gaels Go Further mentoring programs. Prior to joining the Division of Advancement and External Affairs at Iona, he served as the associate director for residential and student life at SUNY Purchase College in Purchase, NY. He received his B.A. in English literature with a minor in sociology from Manhattanville College and his M.S. in higher education administration from Buffalo State University, where he also completed an advanced certificate in assessment in student affairs.

• Career Level: Basic-, intermediate-, and advanced-level career services professionals

Questions?

Visit the professional development FAQ page, or contact the NACE Professional Development Team via e-mail or phone, 610.625.1026.