Program Overview
Harpur Edge Connection Builder is a four-week program to teach Harpur College students what they need to know about
building professional connections with alumni to help them get a professional edge!
Using Mentor Match, an online platform that connects Binghamton students with alumni volunteers, students
will explore career paths and learn how to distinguish themself as they embark on
their profession and prepare for a successful future.
Students will learn how to create their Mentor Match profile, refine their resume,
identify alumni in area(s) of career interest, reach out and connect for informational
interviews, mentoring relationships and virtual or in-person shadowing opportunities.
Information for students
- What to expect
- Selected students will be invited to an orientation session where they will be given
access to the Harpur Edge Connection Builder track in B-engaged and receive instructions
for successful completion of the program.
- Students will be assigned to a group of peers based on their career interests. They
will work with a Harpur Edge Programs Associate who will provide them with personal
assistance as they move through the program.
- Throughout the four-week program, students will meet with a Harpur Edge Programs Associate
to receive guidance on how to use Mentor Match (and LinkedIn) to identify alumni to
connect with to schedule virtual or in person meetings. They will learn how to conduct
a productive informational interview with their mentor, process findings and identify
next steps in their career exploration.
- The goal for students is to connect with at least one alumnus or alumna in a field
of interest for an informational interview to explore that career path. Students may
have the opportunity for virtual or in-person shadowing if their mentor is available.
- Eligibility
Harpur undergraduates who have completed a minimum of one semester of college by the
start of the program are eligible to apply. Preference is given to current and rising
sophomores.
- How to apply
Students can apply by submitting the application form attached below:
ACCESS APPLICATION FORM
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, March 5 . Students will be notified of
acceptance by Friday, March 7. Weekly small group meetings (4 total) will begin the
week of March 24. The final meeting will be with the whole group of participants (lunch
provided) on Friday, April 25.
Prior to the start of the program, students will be assigned to a group led by a Harpur
Edge Programs Associate based on availability.
Information for alumni sponsors
- What to expect
Share your passion and make a significant difference in the lives of talented Harpur
undergraduates by volunteering as a mentor.
Harpur Edge Connection Builder is a facilitated program to teach students how to use
Mentor Match - an online platform connecting Binghamton students with alumni — helping to prepare
them for a successful future, navigate their careers and, perhaps, explore new career
paths.
How alumni sponsors can benefit from Harpur Edge Connection Builder:
- Make a difference in the life of a student
- Share your passion for your career
- Stay connected to your alma mater
- Be a positive role model and "pay it forward"
- How to become a Connection Builder mentor
When you sign up to be a mentor in Mentor Match, you will be asked to complete your profile. You can indicate whether
you are willing to have a student shadow you in your place of employment or virtually.
Once you are registered as a mentor, students will be able to reach out to request
a meeting with you. You have the option of accepting the request and selecting a day
and time that works for you.
The Liberal Arts to Careers Extern Program (LACE) was Harpur Edge's signature shadowing
program from 2010–2020. This program serves as the foundation for the new Harpur Edge
Connection Builder program. If you were a student participant or alumni sponsor in the LACE program we welcome
you to participate as a host in the Harpur Edge Connection Builder program by logging
into MentorMatch and checking the box that you are available to host students for
shadowing and this will invite Harpur Edge Connection Builder students to reach out
to you for informational interviewing, virtual or in person shadowing opportunities.
Contact Information
Megan Konstantakos
Assistant Director, Harpur Edge
Harpur Edge; Harpur College of Arts and Sciences