We are looking for talented technology leaders to volunteer as corporate mentors for our students!
The NorthState CCI Mentorship Program is the signature mentoring program in the College of Computing and Informatics at UNC Charlotte. The program is committed to promoting greater gender equity in computing and the success of undergraduate computer science students. Inspired by the memory of Velva Hayden, NorthState’s former CEO, and one of the first female CEOS in the South, the program is focused on three pillars: pairing students with a corporate mentor, developing leadership skills, and building a community of women in technology.
As a mentor, you can create a lasting impact on a student’s life and help shape the next generation of leaders in tech.
As a corporate mentor, you will be responsible for:
Building a trusting, professional mentoring relationship with one undergraduate computer science student
Meet virtually with your student 4 times a semester, or approximately once a month for 30 mins – an hour
When safe to do so, take your student on a visit to your work office
Regularly communicate any updates and concerns to the Director of Mentoring
Participate in mentor onboarding and check-ins led by CCI
Provide insight on your academic and professional journey
Teach and prepare your student for career development and advancement
Help your student understand your company’s organizational culture, such as preferred use of technology and software tools, communication styles, and values
Seek out and attend various networking events, meetups, or trainings with your student
Complete student evaluations and other assessments as assigned
Mentors are expected to participate from September 2020 – May 2021, which is the duration of the 2020-2021 academic school year. All events are virtual until it is safe to meet in person.
Fall Semester (September – December)
Late September: Mentors Onboarding Monday, September 21: Welcome Event and Meet the Students Once a month: Meet with your student for 30 mins – an hour Once a month: Review monthly newsletter from Director of Mentoring Once every two months: Mentors Check-In with Director of Mentoring Regularly communicate with your student in a timely manner
Spring Semester (January – May)
January: Welcome Back Event
Late April: End of the Year Event
Once a month: Meet with your student for 30 mins – an hour
Once a month: Review monthly newsletter from Director of Mentoring
Once every two months: Mentors Check-In with Director of Mentoring
Regularly communicate with your student in a timely manner
Throughout the academic school year
There will be various opportunities offered throughout the year, including:
UNC Charlotte-sponsored events
Tech community meetups
Events specifically for mentoring students and mentors
“I enjoyed being able to give back to my alma mater and learn from my amazing mentee. I also enjoyed telling her the things about the workplace and jobs that I wish someone would have told me when I was a student at UNC Charlotte.”
– Corporate Mentor, 2019-2020
“Simply put, the most beneficial part was being able to make a positive contribution to my student’s development.”
– Corporate Mentor, 2019-2020
“The most beneficial part about this experience was meeting and learning from my mentee, seeing it through her eyes on her experiences in college and being in an IT program. I felt so proud when she told me she received an internship. She was so excited and this is what being a mentor is all about.”
