You will be matched with a mentor based on common academic and professional interests, life challenges, and experiences. Through 1:1 dialogue, you will learn how to overcome challenges, receive career advice, and develop skills to become an effective leader. You may also use the platform’s discussion guides and goal-setting activities to help spark meaningful conversations with mentors and other professionals. Topics range from time management and work-life balance to networking and job-seeking advice. The program is intended to:

• Provide a structured means of initiating and maintaining a professional relationship with a graduate alum.
• Offer 1:1 advice and support regarding the challenges of doctoral education, along with research and professional development strategies.
• Facilitate referrals to others to assist in building your professional network.
• Build connections and community between Princeton graduate students and graduate alums.

“I was fortunate to have several mentors who contributed significantly to my professional development. Both in the Senate and in private law practice, and I have enjoyed working with GradFUTURES to establish a mentorship program matching interested graduate students and graduate school alumni who want to give back to Princeton... My advice to graduate students? Be proactive. Your professional development is too important to leave to someone else. You would be surprised how helpful people will be if you ask them for help and guidance."

–Drew Harker, *81, SPIA, Founding Mentor, Graduate Alum Mentorship Program

“I am first-gen, so I thought it would be great to have some guidance or mentorship from someone who went through the graduate school at Princeton and knew … what it took, what to expect. I feel like it’s helping the next generation. It’s paving the way forward for someone else."

–Seraya Jones, GS, MOL

“Participating in the GradFUTURES Mentorship Program is one of the highlights of my Princeton education. The conversations I had with my mentor changed my perspectives on my research and career prospects. I really appreciated the thought and effort my mentor invested to help me develop my professional aptitudes."

–Jonathan Aguirre, *22 (SPO), Vice President, User Experience Research Lead, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

“The GradFUTURES mentorship program connected me with an outstanding alumni mentor in Washington, D.C. who has helped show me the value of Ph.D. scientists in government and policymaking... Through my mentor, I could get up close and personal to a field, organization, and potential career trajectory that I otherwise would not have had access to.” 

–Evan Ostrowski, GS, CBE

“The GradFUTURES Mentorship Program is an excellent framework for current students to connect with their fellow Princeton Graduate alumni. My mentorship journey with my mentee, a highly motivated PhD candidate, has been truly rewarding... Her dedication to staying engaged, taking initiative, and executing on the mutually agreed strategies added a dynamic and productive aspect to the experience. This level of enthusiasm is something new and continuing mentees can take inspiration from, reminding them of the importance of proactive involvement and genuine passion in the mentorship process.” 

–Raghuveer Vinukollu *11, CEE, Head - Climate Insights and Advisory, Munich Re US