Professional mentorship programs
The Cronkite School offers several mentorship programs for our students.
Mentorship at the Cronkite School
The Cronkite School is proud to offer a variety of professional mentorship programs. Our programs are designed to connect Cronkite School students to professionals working in the media and communications industry. Through these initial contacts with talented and highly successful professionals, students will be exposed to the operations of a specific company, meet industry professionals and start to grow their network of contacts.
Please view our mentor program options below. Due to space limitations, these programs are only open to immersion undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students at this time.
Mentor Program Options
Cronkite Coaching Program
Our first-time Cronkite School students, including transfer and change-of-major students, are encouraged to sign up for our Cronkite Coaching Program. Students will be matched with qualified Cronkite School alumni who are 1 to 4 years out of graduation. These coaches will help students explore career opportunities in the media and communications industry, as well as navigate the start of their Cronkite School journey. Discussion topics will center around Cronkite School opportunities, including club and extracurricular involvement, internships and Internship Interview Day events, Cronkite professional programs and more.
Early Career Program
Cronkite School juniors and seniors are encouraged to sign up for our Early Career Mentor Program. Students will be matched with an industry professional with 5+ years of experience in the media and communications industry. The purpose of this program is to help established Cronkite School students explore career options and gain valuable advice from a professional. Discussion topics will center around career and professional development, including resume construction, interviewing skills, job hunting tactics and the media industry as a whole. Mentors need not be a Cronkite School alumnus, but it is strongly encouraged.
Graduate Mentor Program
Our Graduate Mentor Program matches current Cronkite School graduate students, including our Accelerated Master’s Program students in the final year of their graduate degree, with a media and communications professional. This program is designed to help students take the next step in their career with the support of a mentor. This mentor must have at least 5 years of related work experience in the industry with leadership roles preferred. Discussion topics will center around career and professional development, including resume construction, interviewing skills, job hunting tactics and the media industry as a whole. Mentors need not be a Cronkite School alumnus, but it is strongly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students
I’m a Cronkite School student and I don’t fall into these categories. What should I do? Please fill out the mentorship program application in its entirety and we will happily put you on our mentor program waitlist. We will do our best to find you an appropriate mentor.
Am I guaranteed a professional mentor if I sign up for these programs? No. There are space limitations for each program. We encourage students to watch for program deadlines and be as thorough in their application as possible to help us best match them with an appropriate mentor. Incomplete or unfinished applications will be returned to the student.
I missed the deadline to apply for a mentor. Is it too late to get into the program? No. Late applications will be placed on our mentor program waitlist. We will do our best to find you an appropriate mentor.
Is this my only opportunity to get a mentor? No. We encourage students to seek mentorship throughout their academic careers at the Cronkite School. Students often find mentors through their classes, Cronkite professional programs, clubs, organizations and internships.
Mentors
I’m interested in being a mentor. What’s the commitment? Mentors are expected to have a minimum of one 30-minute meeting with their assigned student per month throughout the ASU academic year. The Cronkite School sends monthly emails with information and resources to help guide the conversation. Meetings can occur in person, over the phone or via video conference call.
I’m a recent Cronkite School graduate interested in mentoring, but I’ve never mentored before. Should I still apply? Yes! The Cronkite School will provide a guide of talking points and discussion topics to cover with your student. We will also offer Cronkite School and ASU resources you can share with your student.
I didn’t graduate from the Cronkite School, but I’m interested in mentoring a student. Can I participate? Yes. We are always seeking more mentors to work with our Cronkite Students. Non-Cronkite School graduates may be matched with our juniors and seniors or graduate students. To be eligible, you must have 5 years of experience in the media and communications field.
I don’t live in the Phoenix area but I’m willing to mentor a student remotely. Is that an option? Yes! Over half of our current mentors live outside of the greater Phoenix area.
I’ve already filled out a mentorship application with the Cronkite School in the past. Do I need to fill out the application again? Yes. We have dramatically changed our mentorship program and our new application form reflects those areas of change. This new application will help us best match you with a student. We appreciate your willingness to mentor our students!
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