CFANS Mentor Program fosters future leaders

The CFANS Mentor Program, now in its 34^th year, stands as a cornerstone of student development, bridging the gap between academic life and professional careers. This annual program thoughtfully pairs current CFANS students and post-docs with experienced alumni and industry professionals, fostering relationships that are as rewarding as they are impactful. With matches asked to connect just once a month, the program is accessible and flexible, welcoming long-distance mentors to connect virtually.

For mentees, the experience is often transformative. As one mentee shared, "Being in the CFANS Mentor Program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my freshman year. I have found that my confidence has grown immensely, particularly in the realm of environmental sciences." This newfound confidence is a common theme, with another student reflecting, "Overall, this experience put me out of my comfort zone, but ultimately taught me a lot about my career path, my goals and my overall professional skills." The program is especially valuable for transfer students, who find in it a valuable source of support. One mentee noted, "The CFANS mentorship program was a great experience for me, especially as a transfer student…I hope to be able to join the Mentor Program next year for the added support that I was provided, as it was nothing but valuable to me."

The program's value extends beyond monthly meetings. Throughout the year, it offers a rich calendar of events, including a Resume Writing Workshop, Fall & Spring Morning Socials, Mentee Meet-Ups, and a Leveraging LinkedIn Session. These events create additional networking opportunities and provide concrete skills to help students succeed. As one mentee explained, the program "affirmed my passion for agricultural education and helped me take concrete steps toward becoming a more prepared and confident future educator. I am grateful for the guidance I received from my mentor, the workshops and events offered through the program, and the connections I made along the way." Another mentee highlighted the breadth of guidance received, stating they were "paired with two exceptional mentors who guided me in exploring career paths, improving my networking skills, excelling in job interviews, and understanding my role in contributing to society."

Mentors, too, find the experience deeply fulfilling. One mentor, a previous participant in the program, expressed, "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... is also influential for others." Another mentor cherished the opportunity to connect and help, stating, "I really enjoyed the events offered throughout the year to connect with my mentee and other members of the program. I had a great connection with my mentee and was able to help her with updating her resume before applying to summer internship opportunities." 

The visible impact of their guidance is a powerful motivator. "My favorite part of the CFANS Mentor Program was seeing the visible impact on my mentee from the relationship and discussion that helped them to move towards their goals," one mentor concluded.