Careers in Mathematics Mentorship Program Application

This is a yearly program for selected students to be paired with a WSU alumni mentor who fits their career trajectory, passion, qualities and more. If you're not sure about your career path, this is an excellent opportunity to explore one and gain valuable insight.

The Department of Mathematics and Office of Alumni are pleased to partner to make this mentorship program available to serve students with practical and applied skills for their careers.

List of formal meetings

You and your mentor are expected to meet a minimum of four times over the course of the term to discuss various themes. More meetings may occur as warranted by both you and your mentor. Additionally, both you and your mentor are expected to attend the mathematics department’s award ceremony held in April each year.

Meeting 1: Meet and Greet-Completion by December 31
Meeting 2: Career and Academic Goals-Completion by January 31
Meeting 3: Develop Interview Skills-Completion by February 28
Meeting 4: Day in the Life (Job Shadowing experience) Completion by March 31
Department of Mathematics Award Ceremony – April (specific date TBD)

Responsibilities of student participants

Make first contact with mentor to schedule meeting time for sessions
Participate in four face to face or Zoom/Skype/Facetime meetings, completing each session meeting by the indicated deadline
Attend Mathematics Department Awards Ceremony in April of each year. Mentors and mentees will be recognized at the annual awards event
All meetings are to take place in a public setting (coffee shop, on campus, business location) or through Zoom/Skype/Facetime
Share your experience with us by completing survey at the end of the mentorship
Behave in a professional manner
Don’t ask your mentor for a job. This is not the purpose of the mentorship program
Listen and enjoy gaining knowledge and a better understanding about a mathematics career
Make the most of the experience

Applying to the program

Please have the application and all materials (transcripts and optional résumé) submitted by September 30.

Have a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) ready to attach
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a committee within the department
If selected, you'll be paired with a mentor who best matches what you're looking for in a mentor, your career trajectory, interests, etc.
Students who have participated previously, are welcome to apply again

Please note that every attempt will be made to connect you with a mentor, but pairings are not guaranteed.

The Department of Mathematics has the right to limit the number of mentorship pairings each term. The selection process is competitive and students who provide thoughtful responses to the questions and maintain good academic standards will be given preference.

Fields with asterisks (*) are required.

First name *

Last name *

Email *

Phone *

AccessID *

Have you participated in this mentoring program previously? *

Yes

Have you participated in any mentorship program, either at WSU or elsewhere? Please explain. *

Current GPA *

What is your major or concentration? *

Why did you choose this major? *

What is your minor (if you have one)?

How many credits will you be registered for during the fall term and winter term? You may approximate if necessary.

Do you have other commitments during the semester in which you would like to participate in this program? Please list them all with approximate number of hours per week for each. (ex. work – 20 hours, student orgs – 4 hours, volunteer work – 5 hours, etc.)

Are you engaged in active research (yes/no)? Active research means that you are currently working with a faculty member on a research-based project, part of a research group that has regular meetings, etc. If you are engaged in research, please explain. *

In at least 200 words, why are you interested in participating in this program? *

In at least 200 words, what types of goals would you like to achieve by being mentored by a professional? *

Are you part of any student organizations or volunteer groups? Please list them and explain your role. *

What are your career goals and how are you working to support your goals? If you are not yet committed to a particular career, share what you are considering. *

In at least 200 words, please describe the ideal qualities that you would want in a mentor. *

What are your hobbies or interests outside of school? *

How did you hear about the program?

WSU transcript (unofficial is accepted) *

Résumé (optional)

Professional Photo (used at Department Award Ceremony)