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Career Professional Mentoring Program Handbook

Contents Welcome Message.......................................................................................................................3 NACE Competencies................................................................................................................. 4 The Career Success Center Resources...........................................................................5, 6 Meeting 1.........................................................................................................................................7 Getting to Know Each Other Meeting 2........................................................................................................................................ 9 Resume and Cover Letter Building Meeting 3....................................................................................................................................... 11 Networking and LinkedIn Meeting 4...................................................................................................................................... 13 Dream Companies and Career Exploration Meeting 5...................................................................................................................................... 15 Interview Preparation Meeting 6...................................................................................................................................... 17 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Contact Us Thank you for being part of this mentoring journey, and we look forward to your valuable feedback! Leticia La Voy, Director of Experiential Learning and Employer Outreach llavoy@aurora.edu | 630-844-3834 Jacob Livingston, Experiential Learning Coordinator jlivingston@aurora.edu | 630-844-6892

Welcome to the Career Professional Mentoring Program! Welcome to the Career Professional Mentoring Program Handbook. This handbook serves as a guide to the Career Professional Mentoring Program, an initiative designed to enhance the career development and success of Aurora University students. This program connects students with professionals working in industries aligned with their fields of study. Through these meaningful mentorships, students gain valuable industry insights, build professional networks, and receive personalized guidance, while alumni mentors contribute to shaping the next generation of Aurora University professionals. We look forward to supporting each participant’s journey and creating lasting connections that foster both professional growth and community engagement. Please use this handbook as a guide to prepare for each meeting ahead of time. We have outlined objectives, discussion points, NACE competencies, and action items as a starting point for each meeting.

A mentor’s role: • Participate October–April (Virtually). • Meet with your mentee at least once per month. • Guide discussions and provide feedback on goals, resumes, and professional growth. • Offer advice on job searching, networking, and interview preparation. • Support mentees as they complete monthly assignments tied to career topics. • Encourage growth in communication, goal-setting, and career readiness. • Help mentees understand workplace expectations, professionalism, and career advancement strategies. A student’s role: • Coordinate all meetings. • Complete monthly assignments tied to career development topics. • Set goals, seek feedback, and apply what you learn. • Stay engaged, open-minded, and proactive in the mentoring relationship. Tips for successful meetings: • Be respectful of each other’s allocated mentoring session time. • Use this handbook/Brightspace to prepare for each mentoring session ahead of time. • If meeting in person, choose a mutually accessible public location.

NACE Competency Overview The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight core competencies critical for career readiness. These competencies can serve as excellent topics for college students meeting with a professional mentor, helping students develop the skills needed for successful transitions from college to career. Aurora University places a strong emphasis on helping students develop these key competencies throughout their educational journey. The Career Success Center plays a vital role in this effort, offering resources and opportunities to help students recognize and build these skills both inside and outside the classroom. By focusing on the NACE competencies during mentoring sessions, students can gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be successful in the workplace. In the Career Professional Mentoring Program, we encourage mentors and students to use the NACE competencies as a framework for their conversations. Mentors can share examples of how they apply these skills in their careers, providing real-world insights and practical advice. Students can reflect on their own strengths and identify areas for growth, discussing strategies to develop these skills as they prepare for life beyond college. Below are the top competencies, reported by employers, that lead students to be best prepared for their careers and maintain a successful career journey. More information about the NACE competencies is available at naceweb.org.

Professionalism • Act equitably with integrity and accountability. • Demonstrate dependability.

Leadership • Inspire and motivate yourself and others. • Approach tasks with a positive attitude.

Critical Thinking • Gather and analyze information to understand the problem. • Make decisions using reasoning and judgment.

Communication • Communicate in a clear, organized, and timely manner. • Actively listen to improve mutual understanding.

Technology • Identify appropriate technology for the task. • Use technology to achieve goals. • Utilize AI as a tool to enhance not replace.

Teamwork • Collaborate with teammates. • Take responsibility for your role on the team. • Manage conflict on the team.

Career and Self-Development • Recognize your strengths and areas for development. • Develop plans and goals for your future career.

Equity and Inclusion • Keep an open mind to diverse ideas and new ways of thinking. • Include feedback from multiple cultural perspectives.

Career Success Resources Aurora University’s Career Success staff are dedicated to supporting your journey from college to career. Whether you’re exploring different career paths, preparing for job applications, or building your professional network, we’re here every step of the way. Our team provides personalized support, valuable resources, and guidance to help you gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. From resume reviews to interview preparation, and everything in between, the Career Success Center is your partner in navigating your future. Throughout this mentorship program, you can rely on the resources in this handbook, as well as the support of your mentor and our Career Success team, to assist you. Use these tools whenever you need advice, inspiration, or a boost of confidence. We want to help you make the most of this experience and prepare for your next steps. Remember, we’re here to support you—your success is our priority!

Individualized Support The Career Success Center offers individual appointments at convenient times to fit your schedule, whether you prefer to meet in-person or via Zoom. Our team is here to support you with everything from building your career goals and exploring potential paths (using online tools like What Can I Do With This Major?), to creating a personalized 4-year plan. We can help you search for internships, prepare for job applications, navigate the job search process, and plan for graduate school. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to offer tailored support to help you succeed. To make an appointment, visit Handshake or email us at career@aurora.edu.

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews Your resume is a critical tool in your job search, and we’re here to help you make it the best it can be. Take advantage of our resume review services, where our team provides personalized feedback to help you showcase your skills effectively. You can also use VMock, our 24/7 online resume review tool, which gives instant, AI-powered feedback based on industry best practices. Upload your resume to VMock to receive immediate suggestions for improvement, then schedule an appointment with Career Success staff for a more in-depth review and personalized guidance.

Interview Preparation Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking, but we have the tools to help you build confidence and ace your next opportunity. Our team offers mock interviews to give you real-time feedback and tips for improvement. You can also practice using our VR headsets with the VirtualSpeech app, which provides immersive, simulated interview environments to help you get comfortable answering common questions. Whether you prefer in-person practice or using VR technology, we’re here to help you walk into your next interview prepared and self-assured.

Additional Career Success Resources Job and Internship Search Looking for a job or internship can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to support you with the right tools and resources. Start your search with Handshake, our university’s job platform, where you can find postings tailored specifically to AU students. We also encourage you to build a strong LinkedIn profile to expand your professional network, connect with alumni, and discover job opportunities. Whether you’re searching for an internship to earn academic credit or simply to gain hands-on experience we’ll guide you through the process. We offer personalized support, and help you use tools like Handshake and LinkedIn effectively so you can land the perfect opportunity.

LinkedIn: Building Your Professional Presence LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your professional network and exploring career opportunities. The Career Success Center can help you create a standout LinkedIn profile and teach you strategies for maximizing your LinkedIn experience, from connecting with industry professionals to finding jobs and internships. We also invite you to join the AU Career Network LinkedIn Group, where you can connect with fellow students, alumni, and employers for networking, advice, and exclusive job postings. Let us help you make the most of LinkedIn as you take the next step in your career journey!

Spartan Attic: Free Professional Clothing for Students Spartan Attic provides AU students with free professional clothing for interviews, internships, special events, and more. Spartan Attic is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Wackerlin Center.

Upcoming Events, Workshops, and Career Fairs Attend a variety of events hosted by the Career Success Center each semester including workshops, webinars, career fairs, free professional photos, and more. These events allow you to grow as a professional and to network with employers and peers. Stop by Career Corner located in Dunham Hall to meet with a variety of employers each week. Check Handshake regularly for updates on upcoming events and to RSVP. Don’t miss your chance to connect with employers, learn new skills, and prepare for your future career!

Aurora University Career Success Center career@aurora.edu | 630-844-5403 Instagram @auspartancareer

Meeting 1: Getting to Know Each Other Setting Goals for Your Mentoring Relationship Objectives: Set expectations, define goals, and determine preferred communication styles. Getting to Know You Questions • If you could have any superpower, what would it be? • What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? • What is the best book or movie you have enjoyed recently? • If you were not in your current career, what would you be doing? Discussion Points • What do you hope to gain from this mentoring relationship? • What is your preferred style of communication? (e.g., email, phone, in-person) • How can I, as your mentor, best support you in reaching your goals? • Is there a specific skill or area you would like to focus on improving? • What do you see as the most valuable part of a mentoring relationship?

NACE Competency: and Self-Development Career and Self-Development: Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual

personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

Sample Behaviors

• • • • •

Identify areas for continual growth while pursuing and applying feedback. Develop plans and goals for one’s future career. Professionally advocate for oneself and others. Display curiosity; seek out opportunities to learn. Seek and embrace development opportunities.

Topics to discuss: Personal growth strategies, continuous learning, and career resources. • How to actively seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. • Building your skills through student organizations and experiential learning opportunities.

Action items to consider completing before next meeting:

• • •

Prepare a resume draft using VMock and share it for the next meeting. Visit aurora.edu/vmock to get started. Connect with your mentor on LinkedIn. Sign up and attend an upcoming Career Fair or event at aurora.edu/careerevents

Notes

Meeting 2: Resume and Cover Letter Building Strengthening Your Professional Brand Objectives: Discuss resume and cover letter improvements with insights from your mentor’s industry. Discussion Points • What are the key components you look for in a resume in your industry? • Are there any common mistakes you see on resumes or cover letters? • How can I make my resume stand out if I have limited experience in my field? • What skills or experiences should I emphasize to align with industry expectations? • How do you tailor your cover letter for specific job roles, and what are some effective ways to do this? • Do you have any tips for formatting or structuring my resume to improve readability? • How do you currently describe yourself professionally? • What trends are you noticing in job and internship postings? • How are technology and AI-related skills appearing in your field of interest?

NACE Competency: Communication Communication: Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

Sample Behaviors • • • •

Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills. Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand. Frame communication with respect to diversity of learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences. Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors, specialists, and others.

Topics to discuss: Developing written and verbal communication for professional settings. • How do you approach difficult conversations in the workplace? • What tips do you have for writing professional emails or reports?

Action items to consider completing before next meeting:

• • •

Update your LinkedIn profile in preparation for the next meeting. Visit aurora.edu/career to access LinkedIn resources. Revise your resume and cover letter based on feedback from your mentor. Start researching and saving job descriptions that you find online.

Notes

Meeting 3: Networking and LinkedIn

Building Your Network and Professional Presence Objectives: Learn networking strategies and review LinkedIn profile. Identify how employers are discussing technology, adaptability, AI usage and communication styles. Discussion Points • What are your top strategies for effective networking, both online and in person? • How did you build your network when you were starting your career? • What are some good ways to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn without seeming too forward? • How often should I update my LinkedIn profile, and what should I focus on when I do? • Are there any networking events, groups, or forums you recommend in this field? • What are some common mistakes people make on LinkedIn or when networking in general? • How can I adapt my communication style to meet industry expectations in my field? • What stands out to you in current job descriptions?

NACE Competencies: Critical Thinking and Technology Critical Thinking: Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Sample Behaviors

• •

Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment. Gather and analyze information from a diverse set of sources and individuals to fully understand a problem.

Technology: Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks,

and accomplish goals. Determining how employers are handling technology, adaptability, the use of AI, and communication styles.

Sample Behaviors

• • •

Navigate change and be open to learning new technologies. Use technology to improve efficiency and productivity of their work. Identify appropriate technology for completing specific tasks.

Topics to discuss: Problem-solving and making data-driven decisions. • How do you approach problems without clear solutions? • What role does critical thinking play in your daily work?

Action items to complete before next meeting:

• • • •

Create a list of dream careers and companies and reflect on why they appeal to you. Handshake is a great place to start your research, along with LinkedIn, and company websites. Identify potential alumni connections. Revise LinkedIn profile.

Notes

Meeting 4: Dream Companies and Career Exploration Exploring Careers and Industrial Trends Objectives: Discuss research on target companies, including culture, DEI initiatives, and hiring needs, and emerging changes in technology, AI, and recruitment trends. Discussion Points • What are some of the “dream companies” that interest you? What makes these companies stand out to you? • Have you looked into the company’s mission and values? How do these align with your personal and professional goals? • What do you know about the company culture of your target employers? • What concerns or uncertainties do you have about entering the workforce? • What skills seem increasingly important in your field?

NACE Competencies: Equity & Inclusion and Leadership Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to

equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in antioppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity.

Sample Behaviors

• •

Actively contribute to inclusive and equitable practices that influence individual and systemic change. Advocate for inclusion, equitable practices, justice, and empowerment for historically marginalized communities.

Leadership: Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals. Sample Behaviors

• • •

Inspire, persuade, and motivate self and others under a shared vision. Seek out and leverage diverse resources and feedback from others to inform direction. Serve as a role model to others by approaching tasks with confidence and a positive attitude.

Topics to discuss: Navigating diverse workplaces and promoting equity. • How do you foster inclusivity in your workplace? • What are some challenges to advancing diversity in your industry? • Is there a gender/race gap in your industry at management/executive levels?

Action items to complete before next meeting:

•

Research interviewing techniques, including the STAR method.

•

Continue researching target companies and industries.

•

Continue to review internships and job descriptions.

Notes

Meeting 5: Interview Preparation

Preparing for Interviews and Building Confidence

Objectives: Prepare for interviews with light-hearted conversation to build rapport. Discussion Points • What types of questions should I be prepared to answer in interviews for this industry? • How do you handle unexpected or difficult questions during an interview? • Can you share a memorable interview experience that taught you something valuable? • How do you follow up after an interview in a professional and effective way? • What is the best way to incorporate networking into the job search process? • How can I showcase my personality and strengths during an interview without sounding rehearsed? • What workplace skills are employers prioritizing right now? • How can you demonstrate adaptability and critical thinking during interviews?

NACE Competencies: Professionalism and Teamwork Professionalism: Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Sample Behaviors

• • • • •

Act equitably with integrity and accountability to self, others, and the organization. Maintain a positive personal brand in alignment with organization and personal career values. Demonstrate dependability (e.g., report consistently for work or meetings). Consistently meet or exceed goals and expectations. Show a high level of dedication toward doing a good job.

Teamwork: Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Sample Behaviors

• • • •

Effectively manage conflict, interact with and respect diverse personalities, and meet ambiguity with resilience. Be accountable for individual and team responsibilities and deliverables. Collaborate with others to achieve common goals. Build strong, positive working relationships with supervisor and team members/coworkers.

Topics to discuss: Professionalism: Workplace etiquette, time management, goal setting. Teamwork: Collaborating effectively, resolving conflicts. How do you foster inclusivity in your workplace? • How do you balance personal and professional responsibilities? • How do you handle conflict within teams?

Action items to complete before next meeting: • • •

Complete the program survey to offer feedback for improvement. Watch your email for the survey link. Practice interview questions. Reflect on personal and professional growth.

Notes

Meeting 6: Wrap Up and Next Steps Reflecting on Growth and Looking Ahead Objectives: Conclude the mentoring program with a wrap up meeting. Reflect on your biggest takeaways from this experience. Topic: Looking Back on the Journey To-Dos: • Reflect on the overall mentoring experience. • Discuss key takeaways and growth moments. • Share highlights or accomplishments. • Mentor provides feedback on progress and development. Topic: Where You’re Headed Next To-Dos: Review mentee’s resume, LinkedIn, or career plan • Discuss upcoming job applications, interviews, or graduate school plans. • Identify 2–3 short-term goals to focus on post-program. • Offer final advice for professional success. Topic: Continuing the Connection To-Dos: • Discuss staying connected (LinkedIn, email, etc.) • Mentor may offer ongoing guidance or serve as a reference. • Complete any final program surveys or reflection forms

Reflection Questions • What goals have you achieved during this mentorship program, and what are your next steps? • What advice or feedback from this experience will you carry with you in the future? • How has your vision of your career path evolved since we first met? • What skills or experiences do you want to focus on developing next semester? • What are your top 3 professional goals for the next year, and what steps will you take to achieve them? • How has your confident or perspective changed through out the program?

Action item to complete: •

If you haven’t done so already, please complete the program survey to offer feedback for improvement.

Notes