CFANS Mentor Program

The 2024-2025 CFANS Mentor Program will offer both in-person and virtual events, workshops, panels, match meetings, and networking opportunities. Applications for the 2024-2025 program year are due Monday, September 30, 2024.

About the program 

Each year the CFANS Mentor Program, hosted by the CFANS Alumni Society, matches approximately 200 students and post-docs with alumni and industry professionals who share valuable career insights and guidance. Through this award-winning program, students and post-docs explore possible career paths, learn how to build their professional networks, and enhance their professional skills. 

The CFANS Mentor Program welcomes all enrolled students—undergrad, grad and post-doc, and professionals—alumni and non-alumni—from CFANS-related fields to apply. Mentoring in this program happens across all CFANS related fields, from animal science and nutrition to forestry and conservation biology. Explore the CFANS majors and minors list for a better understanding of disciplines studied and related industries.

"I am so proud of my mentee and the growth they have expressed over the past few months. We reached goals together and I feel fulfilled from this experience knowing a program that helped me (as a previous mentee) is also influential for others and that I can help contribute to this positive change." —Mentor 

All applicants are intentionally matched to help mentees achieve their professional goals, led by the experience and wisdom of their mentor. As a mentor-mentee pair, participants will:

  • Connect with their mentor/mentee once a month (in-person or virtually) during the program year November through May.
  • Establish and maintain regular communication between meetings through emails or phone calls.
  • Identify goals the mentee would like to accomplish during the program.
  • Attend events, workshops, panels, and networking events facilitated by the CFANS Mentor Program.
  • Participate in a job-shadow hosted or arranged by the mentor, as one is able.

Info sessions

Interested in learning more about being a mentor in the 2024-2025 CFANS Mentor Program? Join one of the upcoming virtual sessions to learn about this year's program details and mentor expectations. Sessions are open to new and returning mentors! Sign up for an info session today.

"I’m so glad that I decided to participate in the Mentor Program and I can see myself coming back as a mentor once I become established in my future career. The community and support that is offered by the mentor program is unmatched and is a great way to build your network as a student." —Mentee

Questions? Email Abby Little, Program Manager at cfansaro@umn.edu