Mentoring Connections: Implementing a Student–Alumni Mentor Program in Social Work. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Skrzypek, Candra; Diebold, Josal; Kim, Wooksoo; Krause, Denise
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work education. Volume 55:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 449
• Page End: 459
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Social work education -- Periodicals; Social work education -- United States -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1080/10437797.2019.1600445
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-7797

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A student-alumni mentor program that combines aspects of academic and workplace mentoring was developed and implemented in a school of social work. Foundation-year MSW students (mentees) were matched with school of social work alumni (mentors) in a formal mentoring program. This program was developed to address the needs of MSW students, alumni, and the school of social work by providing students with a professional mentor and fostering ongoing connections and opportunities for involvement for alumni. A model for designing, developing, and implementing this program is presented. Benefits of the program for students, mentors, and the school are discussed as well as lessons learned during implementation.