Villanova Engineering PhD Mentorship Program
The PhD Mentorship Program supports the academic and professional growth of our Engineering doctoral students by connecting them with our experienced PhD alumni.
Through structured mentorship and career guidance, the program complements faculty advising with an opportunity to engage with technical professionals from the greater Villanova community. Mentors are encouraged to provide their mentees with career and personal development advice as well as guidance on getting the most out of their graduate studies.
The program matches current PhD students in Engineering with a PhD alumni mentor whose background and experiences align with the student’s research and professional interests. Students will meet with their alumni mentor two to three times per semester during the academic year.
Specific goals include:
- Enhancing PhD student professional development
- Broadening PhD student career perspectives
- Expanding the professional network of both alumni mentors and the PhD student mentees
- Strengthening alumni engagement and reconnecting PhD alumni to the College
Alumni Mentors
Volunteering as a mentor is a great way to make an impact and stay connected with Villanova Engineering and the University as a whole. Professional mentors can have an immeasurable impact on the success of Villanova PhD students. For those who received mentoring as a Villanova student, this program is an opportunity to pay it forward to current students, in keeping with Villanova’s mission of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas.
Benefits include:
- Supporting student success in a meaningful way
- Increasing your self-awareness and fostering personal growth
- Developing transferable and marketable skills to enhance your professional experience
- Enhancing your leadership and mentoring skills
- Improving your communication and interpersonal skills
- Building and expanding your network!
Serving as a PhD mentor does not require a big time commitment—we ask for two to three meetings during a 16-week semester (four to six meetings a year). Current PhD students (mentees) will be responsible for booking the meetings, setting the meeting agenda and preparing questions to guide the conversation.
Alumni mentors are graduates of the Villanova University College of Engineering Doctoral Program.
Specific eligibility:
- Doctoral graduate of the College of Engineering
- Have enthusiasm for sharing your expertise and knowledge about your industry/profession and the job search process
- Be able to listen and be empathic with your mentee
Complete our alumni mentor interest form so that we can match you with a current PhD student mentee.
Student Mentees
The PhD Mentorship Program enables current Villanova College of Engineering doctoral students to explore future career opportunities and gain professional insight as they consider career paths and job placement after graduation. Mentees are invested in growing professionally and are open to learning new skills and expanding their professional network.
Benefits include:
- Receiving relevant advice and expertise from a mentor in your field
- Exploring possible career paths: industry, academia and beyond
- Learning how you can leverage your advanced degree
- Building your professional network!
Mentees are expected to meet with their mentor two to three times per semester during the academic year. Mentees will prepare an agenda and questions for each meeting. You will also be required to attend a mentorship orientation meeting and an annual end-of-year mentorship program event.
Mentees are current Villanova University College of Engineering PhD students who are looking to explore future career opportunities and gain professional insight as they consider career paths and job placement after graduation. Mentees are invested in growing professionally and are open to learning new skills and expanding their professional network.
Eligibility:
- Current PhD student in the College of Engineering
- Have an interest in learning from an alum’s experience and expertise
Complete our student mentee interest form so that we can match you with a PhD alumni mentor.