Global Careers Mentoring Program 

Student Benefits 

Participants will have access to: 

• One-on-one mentoring with experienced professionals 
• Career exploration and planning support 
• Professional networking opportunities 
• Global workforce perspectives 
• Exclusive workshops and development resources 
• A community of globally minded peers and professionals 
• Exclusive access to a private LinkedIn group of previous cohorts 
• Certification of Completion 

Participants will strengthen key competencies needed for success in the U.S. workforce, including: 

• Professional communication 
• Relationship building 
• Intercultural competence 
• Personal branding 
• Professional etiquette 
• Workplace adaptability 

Students will also gain valuable insight into how their international experiences and perspectives can become strengths throughout their career journey. 

Student Eligibility 

• Applicants must: Be an undergraduate student of any major 
• Have completed at least one semester at Rutgers 
• Be enrolled in classes for Spring 2027 
• Be graduating after May 2027 (students graduating in May 2027 are eligible) 
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 by the end of the Fall 2026 semester 
• Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Prior international experience is not required. 

Additional Eligibility Requirements 

• Students may participate in GCMP only once 
• Students in the 4WARD program are not eligible 

Overall Program Requirements 

• Participants must: Submit a complete application by the posted deadline 
• Follow all program rules and expectations 
• Commit to a minimum of 3 meetings with their mentor 
• Actively participate in program activities and demonstrate a willingness to learn 
   

Help Global Talent Thrive 

International students bring exceptional talent, diverse perspectives, and valuable experiences to the Rutgers community and workforce. Mentors play an important role in helping students understand the unwritten rules of professional success and build the confidence needed to achieve goals. 

By serving as a mentor, you can: 

• Support students as they navigate career development outside of their home country 
• Share professional experiences and industry knowledge 
• Expand students' understanding of career opportunities 
• Help students build professional confidence and networks 
• Contribute to the development of globally minded future leaders 

Mentor Benefits 

• First access to early Rutgers talent 
• Certification of completion 
• Structured learning about working with non-immigrants in the US 
• Note - no expectation of donation is expected 

Mentor Commitment 

Mentors are asked to: 

• Meet with their student 3 times during the semester Virtual or in person meetings allowed 
• Have general awareness of visa restrictions for non-citizens 
• Resources will be provided to all selected mentors 
• Note: mentors cannot provide legal work authorization advice to students 
• Share insights into workplace culture and industry expectations 
• Support goal-setting and career exploration efforts 
• Participate in occasional program communications and check-ins 

Program Requirements 

• Must follow the rules of engagement 
• Can be based anywhere but must be willing to meet during normal EST hours 
• Have at least 2 years of work experience post-Bachelor's degree (can be from earlier degree) 
• Able to meet with mentee at least 3 times 
• Alumni and friends of Rutgers are welcome to apply 

How the Program Works 

Step 1: Apply 

Mentor application - Mentor deadline: 10/8/2026 

Student Mentee application - Mentee deadline: 10/30/2026 

Step 2: Get Matched 

Participants are matched with a mentor based on shared career interests, industry alignment, and development goals, creating a meaningful and personalized mentoring experience. Once the matching process is complete, mentor-mentee pairings will be announced in late November 2026.

Matching Expectations 

Note: we do our best to match participants with their first choice, but this may not always be possible. We will consider all factors during the matching process to help ensure a positive experience for both mentees and mentors. 

Pairs are also limited to the number of mentors available. 

• Mentees – Preference is given to juniors and seniors and those that apply early. 
• Mentors – Preference is given to Rutgers alumni. 

Step 3: Engage and Grow 

The program runs during Spring 2026, with activities taking place from late January through early May. Throughout the program, mentor-mentee pairs will meet at least three times to discuss career exploration, professional development, industry insights, and goal setting. Participants are also invited to attend both the welcome and closing ceremonies. 

During the program, mentors and mentees will complete periodic check-ins and a feedback survey to help evaluate their experience. Student mentees may also be asked to complete brief assignments designed to reinforce career development learning and support their mentoring journey.

Step 4: Build Your Global Career Story 

Participants complete the program with expanded networks, increased confidence, and a clearer understanding of how to pursue opportunities in a global workforce. 

Interested in becoming a mentor or student participant? Contact Ms. Steph Acuna at steph.acuna@rutgers.edu for more information.