Mentoring Program
The SCCW Mentoring Program is a FREE program which fosters close partnerships between local alums seeking professional and personal development opportunities!
Apply now to participate as a mentor or mentee in the 11th cohort, which will run from January to September 2026.
Submit your application via the link below by December 10, 2025! (Extended deadline.)
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Program Goal: Foster close partnerships between local alums seeking professional and personal development opportunities.
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Program Structure: Across the 9-month program, mentor/mentee pairs meet regularly in one-on-one settings. Additionally, all cohort participants join together for monthly workshops on topics such as goal setting, career shifts, work/life balance, and negotiation, as well as several sponsored social events.
We’d be delighted to answer any questions you may have about the program. Please email us at sccwmentoring@gmail.com.
About the Program
Established in 2016, SCCW’s Mentoring Program is a nine-month program designed to facilitate one-on-one mentoring relationships through frequent activities and opportunities aimed to develop participants' personal and professional growth. Alumnae will be given the opportunity to find their own mentor/mentee. Once partnered, mentors and mentees will be expected to meet individually throughout the year and to attend social and professional development events as part of the SCCW Mentoring Program.
CONNECT | EXPLORE | ACHIEVE
Testimonials
"Serving as a mentor was a true bright spot over the past year. It was wonderful to get to know not only my mentee, but also all the other smart, dedicated, fearless Smithies in the mentoring program. Our conversations forged new connections and deepened my reflections on my own career path."
-Eliza (Brink) Dermody ‘03
"I joined the SCCW mentoring program as a mentee during a major career transition. Having dedicated and structured time to check in with my mentor was so helpful. It encouraged me to put my career reflections and ambitions into focus, which I especially welcomed during an exciting yet uncertain time in my career!"
- Alyssa Park '12
FAQs
General Program Info
Q: What is the goal of the program?
A: The SCCW Mentoring Program’s goal is to foster close partnerships between local alums seeking professional and personal development opportunities.
Q: Who may participate the program?
A: The SCCW Mentoring Program is open to Smith College alums living in the Greater Washington, D.C, area. We encourage interested alums to stay up-to-date with our Club's communications and events. You may wish to register with the club through our Membership page and also sign up to receive the monthly SCCW newsletter by email.
Q: How is the program structured?
A: Across the 9-month program, which runs from January to September every year, mentor/mentee pairs meet regularly in one-on-one settings. Additionally, all cohort participants join together for monthly workshops on topics such as goal setting, career shifts, work/life balance, and negotiation, as well as several sponsored social events.
Q: What makes a mentor/mentee partnership successful?
A: Communication, meeting regularly with your mentor/mentee, asking questions, commitment to goals and expectations, developing trust, planning clear goals, discussing challenges, and being open to feedback.
Q: What if I’m not able to meet in person with my mentor/mentee and/or the full group for the monthly workshops?
A: That is totally fine! During the pandemic, the mentoring program took place entirely virtually. We are now in a “hybrid” mode in which mentors and mentees have the option to meet either in person or virtually as they prefer, and the majority of our group events take place virtually via Zoom, with the exception of 1-2 optional social events that take place in person.
Q: Why are you asking for a commitment to attend the majority of monthly group sessions (workshops) in addition to the 1:1 mentor/mentee time?
A: The monthly workshops complement the program, giving the full cohort time to connect and share with one another. The sessions, which often feature panelists and outside speakers, are focused on professional development (leadership, negotiation, work/life balance, etc.) to help each participant think about their own career and growth. The more attendees we have in each session, the greater the value from diverse insights, perspectives, and discussion.
Questions Relevant to Mentors
Q: How do I know if I’m qualified to be a mentor?
A: You’re qualified to be a mentor if you’re passionate about helping another Smithie navigate their professional journey. While specialized knowledge and experience is not required, a genuine desire to help and the ability to dedicate a few hours each month are essential. If you’re asking yourself this question, it’s very likely that you have unique insights and perspective that can make a meaningful difference to a fellow alumna!
Q: What are the benefits of participating as a mentor? What do mentors get out of the program?
A: There are many benefits to serving as a mentor. By helping others, mentors have the opportunity to develop their own coaching skills, expand their personal and professional networks, give back to the community, and gain fresh perspectives.
Q: What is the monthly time commitment for mentors?
A: Approximately 3-5 hours per month, including 1-3 hours for your 1-on-1 meeting(s) with your mentee, and 1.5 hours for the monthly group sessions.
Q: What are some examples of things mentors help mentees with?
A: Guidance on career planning, changing industries, applying to graduate school, networking, leadership, serving as a sounding board are a few examples.
Questions Relevant to Mentees
Q: What are the benefits of participating as a mentee?
A: There are many benefits including expanding your personal and professional network, growing and developing yourself professionally, gaining insights and feedback from those experienced in the field.
Q: What is the monthly time commitment for mentees?
A: Approximately 3-5 hours per month, including 1-3 hours for your 1-on-1 meeting(s) with your mentor, and 1.5 hours for the monthly group sessions.
Q: What are some examples of things mentees ask their mentors for help with?
A: Guidance in switching careers or applying to graduate school, negotiation, job interviews, professional development, and more! You can talk to your mentor about anything you feel comfortable with.