Mentorship Program

Program Overview

The GW Economics Undergraduate Mentorship Program launched in January 2019 under the leadership of alumnus Nathan Deng (Class of 2016) in partnership with GW’s Center for Career Services and the Department of Economics. The program aims to provide current seniors or juniors majoring or minoring in Economics an opportunity to connect with and receive guidance from Economics alumni who work in their desired industry area.

Past Alumni Mentors

More than 40 alumni have participated as mentors in the program so far, spanning professional roles in economic consulting, management consulting, economic research, finance, law, master's/PhD programs, and more.

Past student mentees:

Spring 2019 cohort: 8 students
Fall 2019 cohort: 10 students
Spring 2020 cohort: 17 students
Fall 2020 cohort: 24 students
Spring 2021 cohort: 18 students
Fall 2021 cohort: 21 students

Alumni co-chairs:

2022: Alexis Cirrotti (Class of 2018) and Sania Khan (Class of 2009)
2021: Alexis Cirrotti (Class of 2018) and Sania Khan (Class of 2009)
2020: Charlie Ferrera (Class of 2019) and Peter Hoegler (Class of 2018)
2018-2019: Nathan Deng, Founder (Class of 2016)

For Students: Program Benefits

You will expand your existing professional network via the extensive GW alumni network.
Working with an alumni mentor provides firsthand insight into a specific career path, as well as a go-to resource as you are networking, applying, interviewing, and making decisions about your career path.
Selected students will connect at least once a month with their alumni mentor (either in person or virtually, depending on the mentor's schedule and preferences). The suggested time commitment is 2-4 hours/month.
The program is student-driven, so selected students are expected to take the lead on setting up meetings with their mentor, preparing for each meeting, and following through on any advice that is provided by their mentor.
Please note: the program is not designed to lead to an internship or job at the mentor’s place of employment.
Students are expected to provide feedback about their participation at the middle and end of the program.

For Alumni: Benefits, Time Commitment and Volunteering

Mentoring an undergraduate student provides the opportunity to go beyond a one-time informational interview by building a relationship in which you can provide ongoing advice and industry knowledge as your mentee explores various internships/jobs, develops their professionalism, applies for positions, prepares for positions, and makes decisions about their future.
You will expand your professional network via connecting with other alumni mentors.
Students and mentors will connect at least once a month (either in person or virtually, depending on the mentor’s schedule and preferences). The suggested time commitment is 2-4 hours/month for a 4-month period.
The program is student-driven, so mentors are not expected to take the lead on setting up and/or preparing for meetings. Selected students should drive that process and work around your availability.
To volunteer your availability as a mentor, please complete the Volunteer Form. One of the program co-chairs will follow up with you to provide further information.
Please note: the goal is to create matches that are a good fit for both the student and the alumnus based on the student’s areas of interest and the mentor’s background. Because the pool of students varies each semester (in number and in area of career interest) not all alumni who volunteer end up being utilized as a mentor.

Student Application and Selection Process

Current juniors and seniors who have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher may apply for the program.
The program operates 2 cohorts each year:
- Fall semester cohort: applications are due in August and selected students meet with their mentors from late August through December
- Spring semester cohort: applications are due in late January/early February and selected students meet with their mentors from February through May
Admission to the program will be based on fit for the program overall and on available mentors. Mentors may participate in the admission process by reviewing potential mentees and providing input.
Participation is completely voluntary for both alumni (mentors) and students (mentees).
Participants who are offered a spot in the program but who do not find their desired pairing may opt not to participate.
Selected students must attend a mandatory Orientation Session to discuss program expectations and to prepare for their first mentor meetings. After attending this session, students will be introduced to their alumni mentors.

Helpful Resources

For Alumni Mentors:

For Students:

The 3 career mentors everyone should have

Questions?

Contact the Program’s Alumni Co-Chairs:

Alexis Cirrotti (Class of 2018): Cornerstone Research - [email protected]
Sania Khan (Class of 2009): The Millennial Economist / US Bureau of Labor Statistics - [email protected]