Personal Mentorship
In Your Corner
Openness is the foundation of connection—whether to hear a different viewpoint or learn something new. And at Drake University, this collective attitude means you’ll always have a listening ear or a perspective to point you forward.
From academics to career exploration, what does that look like? It means having somebody who can tell you about a particular internship that might be perfect for your career goals or who can suggest a research project that would look great for your graduate school application. That only happens when your professors, peers, and advisors really get to know and understand your dreams.
Here, you’ll find caring, one-on-one guidance that can change your life.
Mentorship at Drake
Start with small classes. Add faculty who aren’t just experts in their field but also in helping students achieve their goals. The result: mentoring that works.
:1
Student-to-faculty ratio.
%
Of students reported having a mentor relationship with a faculty member.
%
Of faculty are also practitioners, researchers, consultants, or conference panelists.
Faculty Mentorship
Drake faculty have been there, done that—and now they’re eager to pass their wisdom (and connections) along to you. Get the kind of personal attention and tailored-to-you guidance that adds so much value to your education.
Guidance
Which classes should you take? Are some internships better than others? Is grad school a good choice for you? Your faculty mentor can offer advice to get you closer to your goals.
Projects and Research Opportunities
Drake faculty are active researchers, and undergraduates often have the chance to participate in their work. From biology to marketing, and pharmacy to PR, our students get involved in real-world projects.
Networking
Drake faculty have the kind of professional connections in Des Moines and beyond that can make it easier to land a summer job, an internship, or a career after graduation.
Peer Mentorship
Experience is the best teacher. Drake’s peer mentors are students who have gone through some of the same situations you may be confronting and have the insights to help you navigate your journey here.
Peer Mentor/Academic Consultants (PMACs)
Our PMACs connect with you in July, before you even get to campus. They’ll keep in touch throughout the year, helping you adjust to life as a Bulldog and take advantage of available resources.
Adams Leadership Institute (ALI) Peer Mentors
Leaders teach leaders. That’s the idea behind the ALI Peer Mentors program, which empowers Adams graduates to pass on the leadership skills they learn to a new group of students.
The Crew Scholars Program
Our Crew Scholars support each other’s growth as learners and leaders while encouraging students of color to access all the campus resources available to them.
Career Mentorship
Maybe you know exactly the direction you want your career to go. Or maybe you’re still trying to figure out which path is right for you. Drake’s Career Services counselors are ready to work with you to find a fit that meets your goals. We can help through every step of your journey, from choosing a major to landing a job.
The Career Benefits of Mentoring
You’re in college to learn and define who you are, from your career to how you enrich the world. The right mentors can help you plot the surest course to success, pointing you to experiences that will set you apart from other jobseekers.
Hone Your Skills
When you know your professors well, like you will at Drake, they can tell you which job-ready skills you’re particularly good at—and which may need improvement.
Connections
As the saying goes, “It’s who you know.” And Drake faculty know a lot of people. Those professional networks take years to build. But you could gain access to them right away as you begin to develop your own.
Support
Your relationship with your mentor doesn’t end at graduation. Even after you land a job, faculty members can continue to provide resources, references, and advice—becoming colleagues, not just teachers.
Take the Next Step
Your success isn’t a solo journey. At Drake, mentors at all levels and stages will help you get where you want to go.
