About the Program
We have always been committed to building an alumni association with warmth and depth.
Guided by the belief that “among three people, there is always someone from whom we can learn,” the RUC North America Alumni Association (RUC-NAAA) is launching the Mentorship Program to create a platform where RUC alumni in North America can gain workplace insights, broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding, and advance their careers.
We invite accomplished professionals from a wide range of fields, with extensive industry experience and professional expertise, to serve as mentors and help younger alumni prepare for life and career in North America and successfully make the transition from campus to the workplace.
The program pairs industry mentors with international students or early-career professionals in small groups, creating mutually beneficial partnerships built on mentorship, friendship, and shared growth, with the goal of helping participants achieve their career aspirations.
The first Mentorship Program will launch in September 2024. We sincerely invite professionals, experts, and scholars from all fields to become mentors to younger RUC alumni. By giving back, we can help others grow while growing together.
Program Format
RUC-NAAA will provide the platform for connecting mentors and mentees. Matching will be based on professional backgrounds—such as finance, business, technology, and academia—as well as career stages, including students, early-career professionals, middle managers, and senior executives.
In principle, mentor-mentee interactions will take place primarily online. Matching will not be restricted by geographic location. Each program cycle will last six months.
Mentor Responsibilities
Career Guidance: Mentors will help mentees understand the North American workplace and industry landscape, develop a clear sense of professional direction and career goals, address questions and challenges related to career choices, and develop relevant professional skills.
Personal Support: Mentors are encouraged to develop a lasting relationship with mentees based on both mentorship and friendship, offering guidance on learning, personal growth, career development, and life planning. Sometimes, a simple text message or phone call can help a younger alumnus or alumna work through uncertainty and confusion.
Life Inspiration: The role of an industry mentor goes beyond serving as a career advisor. Mentors are also encouraged to offer guidance and inspiration in life and personal character, with the potential to become lifelong friends and trusted mentors.
What We Look for in Mentors
Professional Background: At least five years of professional or research experience in a specialized field, with substantial experience in areas such as finance, consulting, consumer goods, Internet, or technology, and the ability to share meaningful industry insights with students. Mentors with prior career-coaching or mentoring experience are preferred.
Commitment to Mentoring: Sincere, caring, and committed, with strong professional ethics and a positive, rigorous approach. Willing to actively communicate and share experiences with mentees and organize at least one sharing activity in any format, such as a company visit or informal gathering.
Effective Communication: Based in North America and able to actively engage with mentees online. Mentors are expected to commit to providing at least 10 hours of guidance throughout the program.
Upon completion of the program, RUC-NAAA will issue an Honorary Certificate to each mentor.
Mentee Responsibilities
Respect Your Mentor: Approach the relationship with humility and a willingness to learn. Respect the mentor's time and effort, and communicate your questions, needs, and goals clearly and effectively.
Be Proactive: Mentees should take the initiative in contacting their mentors and establishing the preferred timing, frequency, format, and topics of communication. They should also proactively share updates on their progress and current situation.
Provide Program Feedback: Offer constructive and timely feedback to the program team and actively recommend the Mentorship Program to fellow alumni.
Important Information for Mentees
Eligibility:
RUC Alumni: Must be currently living in North America and provide documentation verifying their RUC education and degree credentials. RUC-NAAA will verify the relevant information with the university on an individual basis.
Children of RUC Alumni: Must be currently living in North America and be jointly recommended by an RUC alumni parent and one RUC-NAAA board member. Each alumni parent may recommend only one direct child.
Number of Mentees: The first program cycle is limited to 30 mentees, on a first-come, first-served basis. The final matching result will be determined by the matching email sent by the program team.
Program Fee: The first program cycle is completely free of charge. Participants who wish to join subsequent program cycles after completion will be required to pay a program fee, with details to be announced later. Going forward, an appropriate fee will be introduced to support the program's sustainable development.
Outstanding Mentee Recognition: Based on reports submitted by mentees and evaluations written by mentors, five outstanding mentees will be selected and receive an Outstanding Mentee Certificate of Completion.
Timeline
Recruitment
The program will be officially launched after the September Newcomer Event, with recruitment of both mentors and mentees.
Matching
Registration and matching will be completed within one month. Mentors and mentees will have the opportunity to select each other, after which the program team will finalize the matching and notify participants by email.
Launch
A kickoff meeting will be held in mid-October, where participants will receive guidance on the program's procedures and key considerations.
Mentorship
From October 2024 through February 2025, mentors and mentees will communicate regularly, with a general expectation of at least one interaction per month.
Mentees are encouraged to take the initiative in contacting their mentors. Topics will be determined jointly by mentors and mentees and may include professional learning, career development, the transition from student life to professional life, as well as long-term planning related to immigration status, taxation, and personal finance.
Completion
The first program completion ceremony will be held in February 2025. Mentees are encouraged to express their appreciation to their mentors in any form of thank-you letter or message.
RUC-NAAA will present Honorary Certificates to the mentors.
How to Apply
To participate in the program as a mentor or mentee, please scan the QR code on the right and complete the registration form.
Registration deadline for the first program cycle: September 30, 2024.
Final matching results will be communicated by email.
For additional questions, please contact the program team.
Program Coordinators:
徐俊君 (Xu Junjun): 404-771-1146
卢翠丽 (Lu Cuili): 646-270-7153
王鹏 (Wang Peng): 832-830-4105
Join Us
The Mentorship Program recruits mentors year-round. We welcome you to join us at any time!
The program team is currently recruiting two communications team members. Candidates with expertise in video production, graphic design, or copywriting are particularly welcome. Familiarity with social media operations and proficiency in the design, production, and publishing of content on platforms such as WeChat Official Accounts and Xiaohongshu are preferred.
Selected candidates will have priority opportunities to participate in Mentorship Program matching.
