Alumni Mentoring Program
The Alumni Mentor Program pairs MSU College of Law students with alumni who provide tutorial support, personal encouragement, and professional guidance. This program is a partnership of MSU College of Law Alumni Association and the Office of Student Affairs, with support from Career Services and other departments.
Since the launch of the Alumni Mentor program in 2007, more than 450 students and alumni have participated.
We conduct continual quality improvement to this program through seminars and surveys to ensure that the program works well for students (e.g. guidance, encouragement, contacts and introductions or tours of workplaces) and their mentors (e.g. professional growth and leadership). For more information about what is expected from Alumni mentors, go to: Frequently Asked Questions.
Here are some success stories of the Alumni Mentor Program.
Bonding over Interests
Rosemary Ebner Pomeroy, '86, mentored Ellie Satz during Satz's third year at MSU Law. "Ellie had some interest in adoption law and that area is about 40 percent of my practice," Pomeroy explains. The two met, e-mailed and spoke on the phone throughout the year. Pomeroy shared some of her thoughts on the bar exam via their friendship on Facebook.
Pomeroy noted, "As an out-of-state alumna, I initially didn't think I would be able to be an effective mentor. I am glad to say that it has been a great opportunity for both of us." Pomeroy added, "As the law school looks to create a more national presence, out-of-state alumni can help by participating in the mentoring program."
Providing Support
As a second-year student Megan Hard went to her mentor, Jason Jones, '05, for support to help her get through the everyday demands of law school.
"Law school is both a rigorous and rewarding experience, and at times that experience can be daunting," Hard said. "But having a helping hand to reach out to, someone who has been through the same experience and can tell you that you will survive, makes the end seem much more reachable."
The Student/Alumni Mentor Program has been her "rock" throughout law school. "The true benefit of the program has been having a reliable contact, just an e-mail or call away, who can answer questions and help guide you along the way," Hard said.
Jones said he has benefited from his opportunity to mentor Hard. "Not only have I been able to help her navigate law school and her career opportunities, but her questions and curiosity have challenged me with the responsibility of providing advice to a future, fellow member of the bar," he said. "In determining what advice to give Megan, I was forced to evaluate the decisions that I've made as a student."
The mentor program has prompted Jones to "revisit the perspective of a student when faced with the decisions of a professional."
We invite feedback from all Student/Alumni Mentor Program participants. Please send us an e-mail at alumni@law.msu.edu to provide comments or suggestions about the program.