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Office of Career Services
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College
Columbia University

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Office of Career Services
Office of Career Services
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College, Columbia University

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Welcome to the Office of Career Services Page!

Students

Alumni Mentoring & Career Networking Program

Search for alumni
contacts / mentors


Many TC alumni have generously volunteered their time to serve as resources for current students. This program provides students with an opportunity to meet and speak with professionals in various career fields, develop their career plans, and gain "real world" perspectives about possible professions and industries. These generous alumni have volunteered to be either Contacts and/or Mentors.
  • Alumni Contacts
    allow students to learn about their organizations and what they do. Students can informally email Alumni Contacts through our online form.

  • Alumni Mentors
    allow students to benefit from their expertise and knowledge through email, phone, or in person. Students are asked to fill out a short profile to send to the mentor(s) prior to meeting with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much time does the program take?
    There is no set time commitment. Time commitments are set by the individuals involved.

  • How are students matched to Alumni Mentors?
    Students conduct a search through the alumni database and decide whom they would like to contact.

  • What are the responsibilities of a Mentor?
    A mentor assists students with learning about career options and coaches them on the skills and attitudes which will improve their success potential. Mentors encourage students to network with other professionals, educate students on the daily work involved in their careers, and talk about different options in the field. They may review students' resumes and give critical feedback.

  • What are the responsibilities of a student?
    Students are responsible for staying professional and courteous at all times. Students understand that a mentor may be unavailable during especially busy times. They are also responsible for maintaining professional confidentiality about the internal operations of the mentor's organization (for example, if they are invited to attend an internal department meeting to observe policy-making in action).

  • Does the mentor program lead to a job or an internship?
    The mentor program involves no promise of future employment. However, this program vigorously promotes professional networking, and many opportunities arise naturally from these connections.

  • How do I apply to be a mentor?
    Please visit TCCS LINK at https://www.myinterfase.com/columbia-tc/mentor/ to register as an alumni contact or mentor.

  • Who do I contact with questions about this program?
    You can contact Michael Kalish, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations by email at kalish@tc.columbia.edu or by telephone at 212-678-3146.
    For more information, see the instruction How to use the Alumni Mentoring Program and conduct Informational Interviews