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Please review the Participant Expectations and Information for Mentees/Mentors before submitting your application to ensure the program is a good fit for your availability and goals.

Application window: September 1-18, 2026

• Mentee Application (Google Form)
  • Must be a Junior or Senior IAFS Major
• Mentor Application (Google Form)
  • Must be an alumnus or work in an international affairs related career.

Mentor/Mentee Matches: October 9, 2026

Successful mentoring relationships are built on mutual commitment, communication, and respect. The following expectations apply to both mentors and mentees throughout the program. By participating, mentors and mentees agree to uphold these expectations and commit to the time, communication, and engagement needed for a successful mentoring partnership.

• Commit to the Experience:ÌýPlan to meet regularly (at least once each month) and honor your commitments. If you need to reschedule, communicate as early as possible.
• Communicate Openly:ÌýBe respectful, honest, and responsive. Share your goals, questions, successes, and challenges, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification or feedback.
• Come Prepared:ÌýA little preparation goes a long way. Before each meeting, think about what you'd like to discuss or accomplish. The IAFS career development modules provide optional discussion topics, activities, and resources that can help guide your conversations.
• Stay Curious:ÌýSome of the best mentoring conversations begin with simple questions. Be open to different perspectives, experiences, and career paths—even if they differ from your original plans.
• Respect Confidentiality:ÌýCreate a space where both mentor and mentee feel comfortable sharing openly. Unless both people agree otherwise, personal conversations should remain confidential.
• Be Flexible:ÌýNo two mentoring relationships are the same. Find a meeting schedule, communication style, and discussion format that works for both of you.
• Focus on Growth, Not Perfection:ÌýCareer development is an ongoing process. Celebrate progress, learn from setbacks, and remember that exploring options is just as valuable as finding definitive answers.
• Help Improve the Program:ÌýWhen invited, complete brief evaluations or provide feedback to help strengthen the IAFS Mentorship Program for future mentors and mentees.

The IAFS Mentorship Program is designed to help students explore career paths, develop professionally, and build meaningful connections with experienced professionals. As part of the application process, mentees submit a resume and answer questions about their academic background, career interests, and goals to help facilitate thoughtful mentor matches.Ìý

Your Role as a Mentee

As a mentee, you are responsible for driving your own career development. Your mentor is a guide and sounding board—not a career counselor or job placement service.Ìý

As a mentee, you should:

• Take initiative by setting goals and identifying topics you would like to discuss.
• Come prepared for meetings with questions, updates, or reflections.
• Be open to feedback and willing to consider new ideas and perspectives.
• Discuss academic experiences, but consult your academic advisor for academic planning.
• Follow through on action items between meetings whenever possible.
• Take ownership of your career decisions and professional growth.

Your mentor's role is to support your growth—not to find you an internship or job. The more effort you invest in the relationship, the more you are likely to gain from the experience. At the conclusion of the program, mentors and mentees are welcome to continue their relationship if both choose.

Estimated Time Commitment

Approximately 12–16 hours over the course of the program, including monthly mentor meetings and independent preparation. Participants should plan to meet with their mentor about once each month and spend an additional 30–90 minutes preparing for each meeting, depending on the module and activities selected. Students who choose to complete additional activities or spend more time reflecting between meetings may invest additional time.

The IAFS Mentorship Program relies on alumni and professionals who generously volunteer their time to support the next generation of International Affairs students. Mentors share their experiences, offer perspective, and help students navigate the transition from college to career.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, your role is to encourage, guide, and support your mentee's professional development—not to direct their decisions or secure employment opportunities. As a mentor, you should:

• Share your professional experiences honestly, including both successes and challenges.
• Ask thoughtful and open-ended questions, listen without judgment, and encourage independent decision-making.
• Offer constructive feedback and practical advice when appropriate. Recognize that success may look different for every student.
• Discuss academic experiences, but encourage your mentee to consult their academic advisor for academic planning.
• Introduce your mentee to relevant resources, organizations, or networking opportunities when possible.Ìý
• Encourage your mentee to take ownership of their career exploration and professional growth.

Mentors are typically matched with one mentee each academic year. At the conclusion of the program, mentors and mentees are welcome to continue their relationship if both choose.

Estimated Time Commitment

Approximately 10–12 hours over the course of the program, including monthly mentor meetings and occasional preparation. Mentors should plan to meet with their mentee about once each month. Most meetings require little advance preparation, though some modules include optional mentor activities or brief preparation that may take 15–30 minutes. Mentors who choose to share additional resources, make introductions, or spend more time preparing may invest additional time.

If you experience challenges with your mentoring partnership, have difficulty meeting the program expectations, or have other questions about the program, please contact us. Early communication often helps resolve issues before they become larger concerns.

• Mentors: Nancy Covey - IAFS Advisory Board Chair - coveyne@gmail.com
• Mentees:IAFS@colorado.edu

The IAFS Mentorship Program is made possible through the dedication of the IAFS Program, the IAFS Advisory Board Mentorship Committee, and the many alumni and professionals who volunteer as mentors. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to supporting International Affairs students.

The original mentorship modules were developed by , then an IAFS Academic Advisor, in collaboration with of Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder Career Services. The modules were comprehensively revised and expanded in 2026 by , IAFS Program Coordinator.