USD Alumni Mentoring Program
Where Experience Meets Connection
The USD Alumni Mentoring Program is 100% virtual and connects current students (mentees) with USD alumni (mentors) through an easy-to-use platform called Qooper. Whether you're looking for a long-term mentoring relationship or just want to offer advice now and then, this program offers two flexible options to get involved. You can participate in one or both options—and connect with fellow USD alumni to grow your own network.
Choose Your Mentorship Journey
Matched Mentoring
Build a lasting connection. You'll be matched one-on-one with a student based on shared interests, experiences and goals. Together, you'll work through the semester to explore career paths, set goals and grow together. We’ll provides agendas, resources and support along the way.
Time Commitment: Plan for nine meetings over the course of the semester. You set the pace together.
Resources and Support: You’ll get access to structured agendas and talking points for up to nine meetings. Qooper includes guides like Mentorship 101, Mentor Feedback Best Practices and more. Plus, our Career Coaches at the Center for Career Design are here to support you.
Join Today: Click the below to create your profile and be considered for a match.
Join Today!
USD Alumni Quick Connect
Support students when they need quick, targeted advice. In this less formal option, mentors and mentees are able to self-match for a Quick Chat. Choose this option for your questions related to specific industries, career moves or life experiences. Some interactions may last 10 minutes or less, but your impact can last a lifetime.
Time Commitment: Expect short, flexible interactions over the course of 4-6 weeks. A question might take just a few minutes to answer.
Resources and Support: Simply respond to fellow participant questions as they come up. Plus, we have the same resources offered in the Matched Mentoring program with guides like Mentorship 101, Mentor Feedback Best Practices and more. Plus, our Career Coaches at the Center for Career Design are here to support you.
Join Today: Click the below to create your profile and be available for student questions.
Join Today!Why Become a Mentor?
USD alumni get involved for many reasons, and often stay involved because the experience is so rewarding. Here are just a few benefits:
- Give back to USD: Share your knowledge and support students the way others supported you.
- Grow your leadership skills: Mentoring sharpens your coaching, communication and leadership abilities.
- Access exclusive learning: Explore mentorship topics like Life Design, LinkedIn Optimizations and more on the Qooper platform.
- Expand your network: Build relationships with students and fellow alumni.
- Stay connected to trends: Hear fresh perspectives from students and stay current with new ideas and innovations.
- Recruit future talent: Discover emerging professionals who align with your company's culture and values.
- Reflect on your own journey: Articulating your experiences can bring new clarity to your own career goals.
- Leave a legacy: Help shape USD's future by guiding the leaders of tomorrow.
- Teach outside the classroom: Enjoy the satisfaction of sharing knowledge in a meaningful, personal way.
FAQ's
How long does it take for me to be matched with a student?
Match timing depends on several factors, including your background, interests and the preferences students share in their profiles. We carefully review each mentor profile to pair you with a student interested in exploring similar careers, industries or skill areas.
Most matches are made within one week. If you have not been matched after that time, we will follow up with an update and next steps.
Are conversations and meetings in person?
No. The mentoring program is fully virtual, allowing mentors and students to connect from anywhere. However, if both you and your mentee are comfortable meeting in person, that is also an option.
How much time do I need to dedicate to the program?
For Matched Mentoring, mentors typically meet with their mentee about nine times over the semester. However, you may choose to meet more or less frequently based on what works best for both of you.
USD Alumni Quick Connect is designed to be a flexible, low-commitment option, with up to six conversations over the course of 4-6 weeks. Some interactions may last 10 minutes or less.
When is the best time to become a mentor?
The best time to become a mentor is during the academic year, when students are focused on their coursework and planning for life after college.
Are there any requirements to join the mentoring program?
There are no formal requirements to participate. As long as you are a University of South Dakota alum and excited to volunteer your time, this program is for you.
What is the biggest difference between the two programs?
In addition to the time commitment differences, the USD Alumni Quick Connect gives mentors the option to match with other mentors and mentees the option to match with other mentees for another great connection.
Who is the program administrator?
The USD Foundation & Alumni Association is glad to partner with the Center for Career Design to create a meaningful mentorship experience. If you have any questions regarding the Qooper platform or mentoring program, please contact Tracy Trumper at Tracy.Trumper@usd.edu.
What is a Group?
Groups are collaborative spaces within Qooper where participants with shared interests or goals can connect, ask questions, share resources, and participate in discussions. They provide a great way to build your network and engage with the broader program community beyond your one-on-one mentoring relationship.
Once I’m matched, what happens then?
Once you are matched, you will receive a welcome message through Qooper with instructions on how to get started. The mentee is responsible for scheduling the first meeting.
How do I connect with my mentee?
Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet are integrated into the platform. You can utilize any of those options or feel free to use your own contact method outside of the platform.
I reached out to my mentee and didn’t hear anything back. What now?
It's common for mentees to become temporarily unresponsive due to busy schedules or other commitments. Try reaching out through their preferred communication method, follow up after about a week, and if you still don't receive a response, notify your program administrator so they can help determine the next steps. What time zone will our connection be? When you create your profile, your match's preferred time zone can be found on their profile. Be sure to check this before scheduling a meeting to find a time that works well for both of you.
How do I communicate with my mentee?
You can communicate directly through Qooper using the built-in chat feature and schedule meetings from within the platform. You'll also receive notifications when you receive new chat messages, helping you stay connected throughout the program.
What happens when I’m finished with the nine meetings with my mentee?
The program concludes and you’ll be asked to fill out a short survey about your experience. You will also have the option to continue the program with a new matched mentee.
Can I have more than one mentee?
Yes! You can have up to two mentees at a time.
Who schedules the first meeting?
Anyone who chooses a match first can schedule the first meeting.