The Humphrey Institute Alumni Association sponsors two mentor programs, connecting Humphrey students with alumni who share their professional interests. The Alumni Mentor Program began in fall 1987.  Since then we have matched hundreds of students and alumni to build career knowledge and create professional connections.  The mentors benefit as much as the students, reconnecting to fellow alumni and to the Institute.  Mentors also find students a source of energy and enthusiasm; students and mentors have often become long-term colleagues as the students graduate and enter public service careers.

The original Alumni Mentor Program has developed into two distinct mentor programs to serve different student populations:

The Domestic Mentor Program: one-on-one matches between students (primarily first year) and Minnesota alumni in the students’ areas of interest.  This program serves students in all Humphrey degree programs who are interested in domestic policy/planning issues.

The Global Mentor Program: a networking program that brings together students who have international policy interests with mentors who have international experience on a monthly basis (local professionals with international connections and experience).  This will be a GROUP mentorship, rather than a one-on-one assignment.  Students in the Global Mentor group will also be connected by email to mentors doing international work in various parts of the world.

Additional networking resources: To assist students to develop additional professional contacts, both within and outside Minnesota, the Office of Career Services provides appropriate alumni contacts as requested.   Email Lynne Schuman or Martha Krohn for an appointment to discuss networking contacts and strategies.

Mentor program staff

For general mentor program information, please contact:

Michelle Potter-Bacon, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Manager

Lynne Schuman, Director of Career Services

Jane Vega, Career Services Assistant