We’re excited to announce that VLACS has reached an incredible milestone: we now have over 300 mentors available to support our students in their career exploration! This achievement marks a significant step in our commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities for our students.
“I am thrilled that VLACS has reached the milestone of 300 mentors who have generously donated their time and expertise to guide our students. This achievement is a testament to the exceptional efforts of our Interests and Experiences Team. Their unwavering dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for facilitating learning by connecting student interests with real-world experiences have made this milestone a reality.” Dr. Stephen Kossakoski, CEO of VLACS
Here are some inspiring words from our mentors and students:
To help students choose a mentor they would like to work with, we developed our Career Mentor Catalog. This catalog displays our mentors by their industry, profession, and expertise so students can connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds while exploring their interests and gaining valuable experience.
From IT Specialists and Doctors to Business Owners, Engineers, Lawyers, and more, our partnerships with mentors ensure every student has access to an adult who can provide job advice, networking opportunities, and real-world knowledge in support of their career aspirations.
How to Use the Career Mentor Catalog
1. Accessing the Catalog
Students can access the Career Mentor Catalog here and on the VLACS website.
2. Searching for Mentors
Students can use the search bar to find mentors by entering keywords related to their interests or career goals.
Students can also use the filters in the catalog to narrow down their search by a mentor’s availability and career cluster.
Lastly, students can use the map located on the catalog to find mentors based on their geographical location.
3. Reviewing Mentor Profiles
Each mentor profile includes information about their background, expertise, and areas of interest, so students can get a sense of who the mentors are and what they can offer.
4. Selecting a Mentor
Once a student finds a mentor who matches their interests, they should enroll in a VLACS Experience. Then, their instructor will facilitate the connection with the mentor.
Options for Interacting with a Mentor at VLACS
Students can interact with their mentors by enrolling in our learning options, including Career Exploration, Job Shadows, and Micro-Internships. Each of these offerings provides opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents while engaging with mentors.
Career Exploration
The Career Exploration offering allows students to identify their areas of interest and connect with potential job options in those fields. Students research job outlooks, salaries, and daily tasks to gain an understanding of what each job entails. Then, students get to interact with mentors working in their chosen careers during live webinars we call Career Connections.
Sign up for Career Exploration.
Job Shadows
Job Shadows allows students to observe and interact with professionals in their field of interest. This experience gives students a firsthand look at the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of various careers.
For example, a student interested in healthcare might shadow a nurse or doctor. During the job shadow, the student could participate in rounds, observe patient care, and learn about medical procedures. This direct interaction helps students understand the realities of the profession and ask questions that can guide their career decisions.
VLACS student Tej Patel participated in a job shadow with mentors in cybersecurity and video game design. “The cybersecurity job shadow made me more interested in the field,” Tej shared. “Before the job shadow, I had a very limited idea of what the career entailed, but now, I have a far better understanding of the field and various opportunities within it.”
Micro-Internships
Micro-internships are short-term learning options where students complete entry-level tasks authentic to the career they are interested in exploring. These internships are designed to give students practical experience and the opportunity to work on real-world projects with the support of a mentor.
For instance, a student interested in marketing might work with a mentor on a social media campaign. The student could help develop content, analyze engagement metrics, and learn about marketing strategies. Throughout the micro-internship, the mentor provides feedback, shares industry insights, and helps the student refine their skills.
During a Micro-Internship experience, VLACS student Vasilisa Kazakova connected with a mentor who works as a Writer, Production Assistant, and Voice-Over Artist for companies like Disney. “I found his guidance to be tailored specifically to me, making our meeting unexpectedly beneficial. It surpassed my initial expectations, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for his insights,” Vasilisa said.
Other Experiences at VLACS
We also offer a variety of other Experiences that can be tailored to students’ interests and career goals. These experiences often involve research and customized activities, all guided by a mentor.
A student passionate about environmental science, for example, might engage in a research project with a mentor who is an environmental scientist. Together, they could design experiments, collect and analyze data, and discuss findings. The mentor’s expertise helps the student deepen their understanding of the field and apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
Another example is a student interested in creative writing. They could work on a writing project with a mentor who is a published author. The mentor could provide guidance on developing characters, plotting stories, and refining their writing style, ultimately helping the student enhance their creative skills.
The Benefits of a Mentor
Mentors help students explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain the confidence to pursue their academic and career goals. By establishing a strong mentor-mentee relationship, students are equipped with the tools and resources necessary for success both inside and outside the classroom. This support system enhances the learning experience and prepares students for future endeavors by instilling a sense of responsibility, perseverance, and self-motivation.
Finding a mentor doesn’t have to be a challenging task. With the VLACS Career Mentor Catalog, students have a straightforward, effective way to connect with professionals who can guide and support their career exploration. By leveraging this resource, students can take their education beyond the confines of a classroom and into a world of possibilities for their futures.
To find a mentor, visit the Career Mentor Catalog and enroll in a VLACS Experience offering to get connected.
