Information Letter and Process Confirmation Link for 1st and 2nd Year Students

Dear Student,

As Bursa Technical University, we aim to support you on your career journey. In this direction, the BTU Mentoring Program has been developed to assist you in career planning, professional development, and building sectoral networks.

Within the scope of the BTU Career Model, you have been matched with an alumni mentor to support your university life and help guide your future.

Your Mentor's Name:________________________

Your Mentor's Email Address:________________________

Within the scope of the BTU Mentoring Program:

❖ A graduate mentor has been assigned to our first- and second-year students, selected among alumni from your department. For third- and fourth-year students, a sector mentor from relevant fields (public, private, academic, etc.) has been assigned.

❖ Mentor pairings have been conducted by your department.

❖ You are expected to have at least 4 meetings with your mentor throughout the fall and spring semesters. As part of this pilot study, at least 2 meetings are expected during the spring semester.

❖ Meetings can be held face-to-face or on online platforms (preferably online).

❖ The content of the meetings will be determined by the student and mentor within the framework of topics that support students’ career planning processes.

❖ If you wish to request a different mentor, you may contact the BUKAGEM Faculty Member representative in your department via email.

❖ After the meetings, you will be asked to provide feedback about the process to the Career Center.

BEFORE STARTING MENTORSHIP MEETINGS, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO READ THE INFORMATION IN THE LINK BELOW AND CONFIRM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE MENTORING PROCESS.

Confirmation Link: https://forms.gle/MwdaFqwQ1NtrUYat8

YOU CAN START YOUR MENTORSHIP MEETINGS WITHIN 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU RECEIVE THIS EMAIL.

Best regards,
BTU Career Development Practice and Research Center (BUKAGEM)

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a mutual learning process in which a more experienced individual (mentor) provides guidance, support, and knowledge to a less experienced individual (mentee). In this process, mentors aim to guide you and help you reach your goals.

Topics You Can Discuss During Mentorship

The aim of the program is to support your academic, personal, and professional development. Below are some topics where you may receive support during the mentoring process:

Academic Support: Study strategies, finding resources, course planning.
Career Planning: Setting goals, job/internship applications, building a professional network.
Personal Development: Boosting self-confidence, communication skills, stress management.
University Life: Adapting to campus life, social activities, time management.
Sector Knowledge: Trends related to the profession, preparing for work life.

Sample Questions You May Ask Your Mentor

What opportunities did choosing this department bring you?
How did you stay motivated during difficult times?
What should I do to prepare for professional life?
What should I pay attention to in my first job interview?
Where can I follow sector-related developments?
What were your priorities when setting your own goals?
Which elective courses would you recommend I take?

Things to Pay Attention to During the Mentoring Process

Be Clear and Direct: Clearly express your goals and expectations.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask anything you're curious about.
Be Open to Feedback: Consider your mentor’s suggestions and try to implement them.
Be Punctual: Attend meetings on time and be prepared.
Participate Actively: This process is for your development—make the most of it.

Things to Avoid as a Mentee

Attending Unprepared: Don’t attend meetings without determining your goals or questions.
One-Sided Expectations: Don’t expect your mentor to solve all your problems; contribute actively to the process.
Being Only Career-Oriented: Don’t neglect the personal development and academic support aspects of the relationship.
Ignoring Feedback: Not considering or implementing your mentor’s suggestions can reduce the effectiveness of the process.
Being Disrespectful: Failing to value your mentor’s time and effort may damage the relationship.
Breaching Confidentiality: Do not share private information discussed with your mentor with others.

To Build a Strong Bond with Your Mentor, Please...

Be Respectful: Appreciate your mentor’s time and support.
Take Notes: Record what is discussed with your mentor and apply their suggestions.
Show Commitment: Make efforts to achieve your goals.

We hope the mentoring process will be a valuable journey for both you and your mentor. Remember, every step you take during this process will contribute to your personal and professional development. It is entirely your responsibility to plan your meetings and make the most of your mentor’s support.

For questions, you can reach your department’s BUKAGEM Faculty Member or the BTU Career Development Practice and Research Center.

Wishing you a successful and fruitful mentoring period,
Best regards,
BTU Career Development Practice and Research Center (BUKAGEM)

I have read the information above and I hereby accept and declare that I will comply with the confidentiality principles and mentee responsibilities during the mentoring meetings.

Confirmation Link: https://forms.gle/MwdaFqwQ1NtrUYat8