PAWS Alumni

Please check back soon for more specifics of registering for the PAWS program. Thank you!

What is the PAWS program?

The program is offered to help facilitate connections between students and alumni. The type and level of interaction you have is under your control. A student typically shows initial interest by requesting an informational interview to ask questions about your career, industry, etc.

What are the expectations shared with participating students and alumni?
- Be responsive. Whether communicating via e-mail or phone, be responsive and return calls and e-mails in a timely manner (within two business days). Respect the time and energy that alumni are dedicating by being a career mentor volunteer.
- Be respectful of volunteers. Users should not overuse the resource nor abuse their access to alumni career mentor volunteers. Be purposeful in selecting volunteers to connect with and reach out to those who are genuinely interesting to you and your career interests. The process may take time, so be patient and do not excessively contact volunteers.
- Have a growth mindset. Be open to the advice and insight provided. Openly receive and reflect on any constructive feedback provided. Respond respectfully and sincerely when having follow-up conversations about feedback.
- Set clear and realistic goals. Understand that connecting with alumni volunteers through the KU Career Mentor Program does not mean you will be offered a job or internship. As you begin making connections, discuss the purpose of your networking relationship in order to form short-term goals while also creating the building blocks necessary to maintain the connection over time.
- Be professional and honor commitments. If conversations or meetings with alumni volunteers must be cancelled, it is expected you will communicate that to them in a timely fashion and offer an apology for any inconvenience. Cancellations should not be habitual.
- Do not solicit. This is a place for you to connect with others for your own career development. You may not approach these individuals for any form of solicitation, fundraising nor business investment proposals.