Thank you for offering to have a virtual coffee chat with a graduating student! This year, UBC Geography students are graduating into fairly unprecedented circumstances, and hearing from an alum can help them to feel more confident as they enter a very different job market.
Follow these steps to use Ten Thousand Coffees, the networking tool that can connect you with graduating students:
1. Create a free profile on the UBC Hub of Ten Thousand Coffees (make sure you sign up with an email address you check regularly.)
2. For your profile in the Basic Information section, please ensure you include ‘Geography’ under ‘School Program’ . You can also connect your LinkedIn account, which will autofill your details.
3. For the UBC Hub Section, when it asks ‘Select what you’d like to share,’ check Providing Mentorship under ‘Offer’. You can also choose from other kinds of support you would like to provide to students.
4. The platform will also offer to send you automated introductions – you can deselect this option under ‘Interactions’.
Note: Once inquiries and introductions are made, both parties will be free to manage these connections in whatever way suits their needs. UBC does not screen the individuals who have joined The UBC Hub.
You may be contacted for various forms of career conversations. You will receive an email notification to your preferred address when someone contacts you through the platform. You choose the type of support you are able and willing to provide.
Types of assistance may include:
• Industry and job market insights
• Informal review of resumes, cover letters and online profile
• Career advice
• Informational interviews
• Networking strategies
How often will you be contacted?
There is no way to predict this as it is based entirely on the needs of the community at any given time. Alumni and students will be able to search for you on the platform, and if you have the background and knowledge they are looking for, they will reach out to you by sending you a message. Inquiries will be communicated directly to you through your preferred email address. We ask that you acknowledge all inquiries within 48 hours.
How much of a time commitment is required?
The mentorship you provide is informal and may be on a one-time or ongoing basis. How much you engage, and with whom, is your choice. If you find yourself with too many requests at once, you can direct alumni and students to seek another mentor.
Benefits of mentoring:
• Improve your communication and leadership skills
• Expand your professional network
• Gain new perspectives on your career
• Give back to your industry and the UBC community
• Be inspired by young people
Questions? Email Christine Lee, Assoc. Director, Alumni Engagement, Arts, at christine.lee@ubc.ca
