Join JCoaches

Help our students to achieve their career goals by joining JCoaches, a career mentoring program that matches current students with alumni coaches who can counsel them in their job searches. JCoaches provides a unique opportunity for alumni to give back to the school. We need alumni coaches from all backgrounds and interests because our students’ interests are so varied.

Here is the coaching process

  • Student selects the coach based on their career goals. Some coaches may not be selected if their backgrounds don’t align with students’ career interests.Student makes initial contact with his or her coach.
  • The coach and student may have up to three interactions. These interactions can occur via phone, e-mail, or in person.
  • The JCoaches Program is not intended to facilitate a long-term coaching relationship.  Formal coaching ends after three interactions per student.  After three interactions, the student may request another coach to broaden his or her perspective. Of course, you may mutually decide to continue the relationship beyond three interactions.
  • The coach completes a brief survey on the student’s progress and readiness. We will not share survey responses with the students.
  • Coaches may mentor up to three students at one time. You decide how many students you will coach at one time.
Coaching activities may include clarifying career goals, developing a marketing plan, reviewing résumés and cover letters, conducting mock interviews, providing industry insight, and offering networking suggestions. Coaching does not include identifying specific jobs or hiring students. We do encourage coaches to cover the following keys to success during your meetings:
  • Have a clear sense of what position, kind of organization, and industry they are seeking – and be able to articulate why
  • Be realistic and flexible in their expectations – have Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C options
  • Have the ability to tell their story concisely and convincingly
  • Do the research and homework necessary to be knowledgeable about a specific opportunity
  • Be prepared to interview effectively
  • Have a disciplined approach to networking
  • Be persistent, follow up on every possibility
  • Keep each other updated regularly on job search progress

Sign up for JCoaches

Click here to provide contact information and background. You may not receive a match right away, as matches will be determined by the geographic location and career interests of the students involved.

The Career Management Center can provide additional support as needed. Please contact Cynthia Saunders-Cheatham of the Career Management Center if you have any questions.