Be A Mentor

We are looking for talented technology leaders to volunteer as corporate mentors for our students!

The 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, 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
  • Minimum of 3+ years of professional work experience in a computing, technology, or related role
  • Currently employed by one of CCI’s Business Partnersor another reputable company
  • Must be hired directly by company (no contract employees)
  • Strong technical background related to the concentrations offered in the computer science degree, including: IT, cybersecurity, software engineering, etc.
  • Strong commitment and experience promoting gender equity in tech
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
  • Experience mentoring and/or developing leadership in others
  • Preferred: located in the greater Charlotte area and able to meet on UNC Charlotte’s main campus when safe to do so

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
  • Local professional conferences
  • Onsite visits to different companies

Testimonials

“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.”

– Corporate Mentor, 2019-2020