About The Program

We all know that there is something special about the Southwestern alumni community. Now, we’ll see our network in action and support Southwestern students on their career journey.

Southwestern University invites alumni and students to participate in a bridge program titled the “Alumni Network Mentoring Program,” aimed at connecting community members through their professional areas and affiliations.

The Alumni Network Mentoring Program connects Southwestern sophomores, juniors, and seniors with three alumni each semester by phone, video conference, or in person. The connections will be based on professional interest, major, student organization involvement, and other areas of academic and co-curricular life.

The Center for Career & Professional Development staff will coach student participants through the networking process, by providing one-on-one consultations and group training sessions. 

For Alumni

Consider sharing your wisdom and expertise with Southwestern students. By signing up for this program, you will be matched with three to four students during the course of the annual program. You may connect with your student mentees by phone, video conference, or in-person (e.g., at Homecoming). Please anticipate no more than one connection per month.

To register as an Alumni Mentor, please create an account in PirateConnect . After creating your account, or if you are already a member of the PirateConnect community, navigate to the Mentoring Programs tab, click the green “Join” button and fill out the registration questions. If you have any questions regarding the registration process, please email Emily Kelly at kellyer@southwestern.edu.

For Students

Prepare for life after graduation. Begin to develop your professional network. Gain insight and advice from Southwestern alumni about your career field of interest.

By completing a PirateConnect Profile and joining the program through the platform, you are registering for one of 100 student positions within the program. Only students who have completed a full profile will be accepted.

Student registration for Spring 2024 closed January 1. Alumni registration is ongoing through PirateConnect.