The Grad Connect Mentorship Program matches graduate students with juniors who are considering applying to Ph.D. programs, preparing them to navigate the application process, sharing helpful advice in evaluating programs and funding, and providing insight into what it's like to be a graduate student. 

The program runs from February 2024 through December 2024 and consists of monthly one-on-one or small group meetings between a graduate student mentor and their undergraduate mentees, and a few virtual workshops throughout the program. 

Current Princeton graduate students and juniors are encouraged to apply for the program. The application deadline for graduate students is Wednesday, January 24, 2024, and the deadline for undergraduate students is Thursday, January 25, 2024. This program is a collaboration between the Center for Career Development and the Princeton Graduate Student Government, with support from the VP for Campus Life.    

Graduate Student Mentor Fellowship

This is an opportunity for graduate students to develop their professional skills and connect with current undergraduates by mentoring undergraduate students interested in graduate school. A stipend of $2,000 will be provided for graduate student mentors.  

Mentors will, with the support of the Center for Career Development, plan and facilitate workshops (individually or in collaboration with another fellow) on various aspects of the graduate school application and decision-making process, as well as advice for getting off to a good start in a Ph.D. program. The one-on-one mentoring and workshop facilitation experience will help develop graduate students’ academic advising and project management skills.

One fellow will be designated as program coordinator to serve as point of contact for undergraduate mentees and other fellows. An additional stipend of $500 will be paid for this work. If you would like to be considered for the program coordinator role, please indicate your interest in your application.

Time commitment

The program takes place from February-December 2024. Graduate student mentor fellows will be expected to: 

• Attend a mentor orientation session and a mentor-mentee introduction meeting in mid-February 
• Hold individual monthly mentorship meetings (in-person or virtual) with two to three undergraduate mentees
• Attend three one-hour program planning meetings: April (in-person), July (virtual) and October (in-person)
• Conduct one-hour workshops in June (virtual), September (in-person) and November (in-person)

Eligibility

All currently enrolled Ph.D. students graduating no earlier than December 2024 are welcome to apply.  

International students are welcome to apply. Please note there may be tax implications as a participant in this program, but the Center for Career Development will provide further guidance to selected mentors prior to the start of the program.

How to apply

Review the posting for this role in Handshake, and click the "Apply Externally" button. You will be directed to an application form and prompted to answer open-ended responses about your academic background and interest in the mentorship program. You will also be prompted to upload your CV or resume. Applications are due Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Virtual interviews will be held from Wednesday, January 31 through Friday, February 2, 2024.

Selected fellows will be notified on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Undergraduate Mentees

Current juniors considering graduate school are encouraged to apply. Selected students will be paired with a current graduate student mentor in their field of interest. Through monthly one-on-one meetings with your mentor and a few workshops throughout the program, you’ll learn how to navigate the graduate school application process and gain insight into what life as a graduate student is like.

Time commitment 

The program takes place February-December 2024. Undergraduate mentees are expected to: 

• Attend a mentor-mentee introduction meeting in mid-February 
• Attend monthly meetings (in-person or virtual) with their graduate mentor
• Participate in at least two of the three workshops offered in June (virtual), September (in-person) and November (in-person)

How to apply

Complete the form, answering the prompts for open-ended questions about your academic background and interest in the mentorship program. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 25, 2024. 

Selected students will be paired with a mentor in their intended fields of study by Friday, February 9, 2024. Selection may be dependent on the availability of mentors.