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Gear up with GAMP

Gonzaga Alumni Mentor Program Your career networking source

Putting the wheels in motion GAMP is a career development and networking program designed for students and alumni of Gonzaga University. Our goal is to help you develop a professional network of mentors who share similar career fields, geographic locations or other interests. We can place you with mentors who can knowledgeably guide you through the critical school-to-career transition.

“GAMP has given me the opportunity to have multiple mentors in areas that interest me. These people have been a great asset in helping me determine what I would like to do after my time at Gonzaga.”

-Doug Bielemeier (’08), mentee

Our GAMP staff can help you:

• Make knowledgeable career decisions; • Receive access to the “hidden job market”; • Obtain access to referrals and recommendations; • Polish your resume and interview skills; • Analyze your interests in various activities and career options; • Discover where your degree may take you.

GAMP has earned numerous national recognition awards as a result of the combined efforts of our students, alumni and program staff. Put our nationwide network of more than 2,500 mentors to work for you today. Our mentors are committed to helping you in your career planning endeavors.

Seattle and Portland Treks Students visit a variety of companies while on these excursions, including Columbia Sportswear, Boeing, Starbucks, Microsoft, Nike, and other well-known corporations. On a recent trip, CEO of Columbia Sportswear Gert Boyle heard that there were GU students visiting the headquarters and immediately invited them all in to her private office for some words of advice. Just one amazing Gonzaga Trek experience.

Go Trekking at: www.zagsonline.org/gamptreks

Shift into possibilities Effective Mentoring Relationships: Ready, Set, GO! READY Send an e-mail to tell your new mentor a little bit about yourself: who you are, where you’re from and where you hope to go. It doesn’t have to be long, but it should be well-organized and professional. Be sure to let your mentor know you will be calling him or her in the near future. Be persistent in contacting your mentor. Sometimes an e-mail can get lost or a phone call can get missed. Never give up on making a good connection.

SET Follow up after you’ve sent an e-mail to your mentor with a phone call three to seven days after your e-mail has been sent. Find out the best days and times to reach your mentor, and always be courteous and professional with everyone you talk to over the phone. If a mentor is not responding, contact the GAMP office. We will match you up with additional mentors.

GO If your mentor lives near you, do your best to schedule a personal meeting. Work around your mentor’s schedule, but be professionally persistent in finding a time that will work for both of you. Meeting in person has proven to be the most effective way to develop mentoring relationships.

Don’t Be Nervous – Be Prepared!

Meeting with your mentor for the first time can be nerve wracking, but remembering that your mentor wants to be there should help calm those nerves. Remember, there was a day when your mentor was in your shoes.

Be positive and express your gratitude for his or her help. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare for that initial meeting: • Before your meeting, write down any questions you want to ask your mentor.

• Think about the characteristics, skills and interests you want to convey to your mentor – and write them down before your meeting.

• Be interested in your mentor’s life by asking questions about his or her career, as well as experiences you both share at Gonzaga University.

New York Trek Students interested in accounting and finance can find endless possibilities when visiting Wall Street in NYC. Visit the New York Stock Exchange, Deutsche Bank, and more. Space is limited for this trip so sign up early!

Go Trekking at: www.zagsonline.org/gamptreks

“I’ve loved my experience as a mentor.

Being able to help students who are just starting their careers has been fun and rewarding. I’ve kept in touch with many of the mentees I’ve had through the years and have been proud to see their successes.”

- Pamela Karais (’90), mentor

Crank out your goals • Visit the GAMP office on the second floor of Crosby Center and complete an application.

• Receive contact information for your mentor from the GAMP office.

• Send your introductory e-mail to your mentor.

• Follow your e-mail with a phone call within three to seven days.

• Schedule a personal meeting with your mentor.

• Be prepared for your meeting by writing down questions and points of emphasis you want to discuss.

• Do some basic research on your career field to convey your commitment to your professional goals.

• Be clear on what you’re looking for from your mentor, whether it’s general career information, job hunting or additional contacts.

• Mail a thank-you note after your meeting to show appreciation for your mentor’s time and assistance.

• Complete the evaluation forms in the GAMP office and stay involved.

Networking is a VERB \net-work-ing\: The act or process of gaining access to people who are willing to informally share information and ideas, and offer their support.

Rev up your network

Everyone has a network, but not everyone uses it. Your family, professors, classmates, neighbors, supervisors and friends are all part of your network. They are all available as consultants to provide information, make introductions, open doors, and help you develop relationships that can result in career knowledge and job leads. GAMP is simply an established network here to assist you – it is up to you to use it!

3 cogs in the networking wheel

• Establish and maintain a variety of relationships with a diverse group of people.

• Become active in clubs, community groups or other organizations.

• Practice reciprocity: each person in your network is in a position to give and receive support.

Bay Area Trek Interested in companies like Google, Wells Fargo, McAfee and other tech firms? The Bay Area Trek is for you.

With visits to the Silicon Valley and San Francisco, there are plenty of career lessons and networking opportunities to take advantage of while traveling through California.

Go Trekking at: www.zagsonline.org/gamptreks

“In a world clogged with firewalls, corporate networks, servers and computers, mentoring is critical in that it creates personal relationships, transactions which allow people to share common interests and explore each other’s resources. No machine can replace that.”

- David Donovick (’05), mentor and former mentee

Other valuable GAMP services Brown Bag Luncheon Series

Informal monthly luncheon events that allow students to gain insights into the professional world and learn about a specific career field. Join us for some pizza and some great information that might help you find the right career path.

Alumni Sharing Knowledge Socials (A.S.K.)

A networking event offered in the fall and spring semesters featuring an alumni profession a sharing their knowledge of the professional world with students, The events are more formal than the Brown Bag luncheons and also features the opportunity to network with alumni guests. Put on your business casual attire, bring your business cards, and get connected with the Gonzaga alumni community.

Upper Crosby, Room 213 Phone: (509) 313-4048 www.gonzaga.edu/gamp