Many can teach us; wisdom is passed from one generation to the next. Mentors and friends, learning and growing together.
The RUC North America Alumni Association (RUC-NAAA) has always been committed to building an alumni community that is both welcoming and enriching—a community with warmth, depth, and a genuine sense of connection.
A community with warmth brings together RUC alumni from different generations, academic disciplines, and cities. From seasoned professionals who have built their lives and careers in North America over several decades to young students who have only recently arrived, we come from different backgrounds but share a common identity: we are all part of the RUC family. A conversation, a word of advice, or a timely introduction from a fellow alumnus can make a meaningful difference, helping younger alumni find direction when they need it most.
A community with depth draws on the wealth of professional expertise, industry knowledge, and life experience accumulated by our alumni across finance, technology, consulting, business, academia, and many other fields. These valuable insights can help younger alumni better understand their industries, navigate career choices, and plan for professional growth. Just as importantly, they can provide guidance, encouragement, and support at critical turning points in life.
Guided by the belief that wisdom can be found in every encounter and that knowledge should be passed from one generation to the next, RUC-NAAA officially launched its Mentorship Program in 2024. Through the exploration and experience of its first two cohorts, the program has gradually established a platform for alumni to connect across industries, geographic boundaries, and generations. More and more participants are gaining valuable insights, growing through shared experiences, and building lasting friendships.
The Third Cohort of the RUC-NAAA Mentorship Program officially launches in October 2026!
We warmly invite accomplished alumni from all industries and professional backgrounds to join us as mentors—to share their experience, pass on their wisdom, and support the next generation of RUC graduates.
We also welcome young alumni who are pursuing their education, entering the workforce, or exploring their career paths to apply as mentees. With the guidance and encouragement of experienced alumni, participants will have opportunities to broaden their perspectives, strengthen their capabilities, and discover new possibilities for their futures.
Let experience illuminate the road ahead and meaningful conversations bring us closer together. Let us learn from one another, build lasting friendships, and move forward together.
The Third Cohort of the RUC-NAAA Mentorship Program will launch in October 2026. We sincerely invite professionals, industry experts, and scholars to become mentors to younger members of the RUC community. By sharing what we know, we can help others grow—and grow together in the process.
Program Format
The program team will match mentors and mentees based on their professional backgrounds, industries, career stages, and individual needs. The preferences of both mentors and mentees will be carefully considered throughout the matching process.
Matching Format
Mentors and mentees will be matched in small groups, with each mentor guiding one or more mentees. Depending on the circumstances and the participants' preferences, mentors are encouraged to organize one-on-one conversations, small-group discussions, or group-sharing sessions.
Communication Format
The program will primarily take place online, allowing alumni to participate regardless of their geographic location. Mentors and mentees who are able to meet in person are also encouraged to do so through career-sharing sessions, company visits, alumni gatherings, and other activities.
Program Duration
Each cohort will run for six months. In principle, mentors and mentees should communicate at least once a month. The specific timing, frequency, and content of their interactions will be determined by mutual agreement.
Topics of Discussion
Discussions may cover academic and professional development, job-search preparation, industry insights, career planning, workplace advancement, and life experience. Topics can be adjusted flexibly to address each mentee's individual needs.
We hope that the relationship between mentors and mentees will extend beyond a single match or a handful of conversations. Built on mutual respect and sincere sharing, we hope these connections will develop into lasting relationships and friendships.
Mentorship is about more than guidance. It is about walking the journey together.
Responsibilities of Mentors
Share Knowledge, Inspire Growth, and Pass the Torch Forward
Every mentor can serve as a guide on a younger alumnus's journey of personal and professional development. We hope our mentors will do more than share technical knowledge and career experience. Through open, sincere conversations, they can help mentees broaden their perspectives, clarify their goals, and build confidence in their future.
Career Guidance: Share professional knowledge, industry trends, and workplace experience. Help mentees understand the North American professional environment, identify their career interests and development goals, and navigate job searches, career decisions, and professional growth.
Experience Sharing: Draw on personal experiences in education, work, and life to discuss the opportunities and challenges encountered along the way. Help younger alumni broaden their horizons, learn from others' experiences, and avoid unnecessary detours.
Encouragement and Support: Take an interest in mentees' development and the challenges they face in their studies, careers, and personal lives. Offer advice, encouragement, and support where possible, helping them approach challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Personal Growth and Life Insights: Serve as a positive influence beyond professional development, offering perspectives on life, personal values, and character. We hope mentors will become trusted friends and lifelong sources of guidance and inspiration.
What We Look for in Mentors
Professional Experience: At least five years of professional or research experience in a particular field. Candidates with substantial experience in finance, consulting, consumer goods, the internet, technology, or other industries are especially welcome. A willingness to share industry insights is essential; prior career-guidance experience is a plus.
Commitment to Mentorship: Sincere, enthusiastic, and committed to high professional and ethical standards. Mentors should be willing to engage actively with mentees and organize at least one sharing activity in any suitable format, such as a company visit or an informal discussion session.
Effective Communication: Based primarily in North America and able to interact with mentees online on a regular basis. Mentors are expected to commit a total of at least 10 hours to mentoring during the program.
Upon completion of the program, RUC-NAAA will present each mentor with an honorary certificate in recognition of their time, dedication, and contribution.
Responsibilities of Mentees
Be Eager to Learn and Take Initiative in Your Growth
The Mentorship Program is not only a valuable learning opportunity but also a commitment that deserves to be taken seriously.
Our mentors volunteer their valuable time outside their professional and personal responsibilities to share the knowledge, workplace experience, and life wisdom they have accumulated over the years. We hope every mentee will appreciate this generosity and approach the program with enthusiasm, initiative, and a genuine desire to learn.
Growth comes through asking questions, exchanging ideas, and putting lessons into practice.
Respect Your Mentor: Respect your mentor's time and commitment. Approach every interaction with humility, sincerity, and a willingness to learn. Prepare in advance, clearly communicate your needs and questions, and make the most of every conversation.
Take the Initiative: Mentees are expected to take primary responsibility for keeping the mentoring relationship active. Reach out proactively, coordinate meeting times and frequency, and suggest topics for discussion. As a general guideline, mentees should initiate contact with their mentors at least once a month.
Put Learning into Practice: Reflect on your mentor's advice and apply relevant insights to your studies, job search, or professional development. Share your reflections, career progress, and personal growth with your mentor so that each conversation can contribute to continued improvement.
Provide Timely Feedback: Cooperate with the program team in communications, follow-ups, and program evaluations. Share your experience and suggestions for improvement to help strengthen the program for future cohorts.
Pass the Torch Forward: Value the spirit of mutual support within the RUC alumni community and participate actively in alumni activities. We hope today's mentees will become tomorrow's mentors, extending the tradition of mutual assistance and support that defines the RUC community.
Important Information for Mentees
1. Eligibility
There are two categories of eligible applicants:
RUC Alumni: Applicants must be based in North America and provide documentation verifying their academic credentials from Renmin University of China. RUC-NAAA will verify the relevant information with the university.
Children of RUC Alumni: Applicants must be based in North America and receive joint recommendations from an RUC alumnus parent and a member of the RUC-NAAA Board of Directors. Each alumnus parent may recommend only one direct child.
2. Number of Mentees
The third cohort is limited to 30 mentees. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Final participation and matching arrangements will be confirmed through an email from the program team.
3. Program Fees
Participation in the third cohort is completely free of charge.
Mentees who wish to continue participating in future cohorts after completing the program will be required to pay a program fee. Details will be announced separately. These fees will help support the program's long-term sustainability.
4. Outstanding Mentee Recognition and Awards
At the end of the program, the team will select five Outstanding Mentees based on their submitted reports and their mentors' evaluations. Each recipient will receive an Outstanding Mentee Certificate of Completion.
Program Timeline
Recruitment
Following the September welcome events for incoming students, the program will begin recruiting mentors and mentees.
Matching
Applications and matching will be completed within one to two months. Both mentors and mentees will have a say in the matching process. The program team will coordinate the matches and notify participants by email.
Kickoff
A kickoff meeting will be held in November to introduce the program, explain its procedures, and review important guidelines for participation.
Mentoring Period
November 2026 – May 2027
Mentors and mentees will communicate regularly, with at least one interaction per month in principle.
Mentees are expected to initiate contact with their mentors. Discussion topics will be determined jointly and may include academic and professional development, career planning, the transition into the workforce, and long-term tax and financial planning.
Program Completion
The closing ceremony for the third cohort will take place in May 2027.
Mentees are encouraged to express their gratitude to their mentors in whatever ways they find meaningful. RUC-NAAA will present honorary certificates to the mentors in recognition of their contributions.
How to Apply
If you would like to participate in the program as either a mentor or a mentee, please complete the application form at the link below:
Apply to the RUC-NAAA Mentorship Program
Application deadline for the third cohort: October 30, 2026.
Final matching results will be communicated by email.
For further information, please contact the program team:
Xujun Xu: 404-771-1146
Cuili Lu: 646-270-7153
Peng Wang: 832-830-4105
Join Us!
Become Part of a Community That Grows Together
The RUC-NAAA Mentorship Program welcomes new mentors throughout the year. If you are interested in sharing your knowledge and experience with younger alumni, we invite you to join us at any time!
We are also recruiting two Communications Assistants to join the program team.
We are looking for candidates with skills in video production, graphic design, and copywriting, as well as familiarity with social media operations and experience creating and publishing content on platforms such as WeChat Official Accounts and Xiaohongshu (RED).
Selected Communications Assistants will receive priority consideration for matching opportunities in the Mentorship Program.
Join us in building a stronger alumni community—one in which knowledge is shared, friendships are formed, and generations of RUC alumni continue to support one another.
Once an RUC alumnus, always part of the RUC family.