The Arts and Sciences Match Mentor Program is an opportunity through the Center for Career Success for alumni and current students where alumni act as mentors to guide students in their ongoing professional development.
Our goal within the Department of Sociology is to connect Ohio State sociology and criminology alumni with current undergraduate sociology and criminology majors as they explore their ongoing professional development, interests and goals. The undergraduate sociology advisors match alumni mentors with current students in the fall, and the Arts and Sciences Center for Career Success provides resources and opportunities for the alumni and students. The program commitment is one academic year, ending with the conclusion of spring semester. During the academic year, mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet at least twice (either virtually or in-person). Through the program, current students connect with alumni to gain knowledge about career options, informational interviewing, alumni perspectives on an internship and job search, job shadowing opportunities, job/professional school interviews and more! Alumni bring their own perspectives and experiences to the mentorship program but also have access to supportive resources so that mentors are not on their own when providing guidance.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, 26 current sociology and criminology majors participated, along with 18 sociology and criminology alumni. If you are interested in participating in the Match Mentor Program for the 2025-2026 academic year, please visit the Arts and Sciences Center for Career Success website or email Scott Kustis (kustis.1@osu.edu) or Cecilia Johnson (johnson.2668@osu.edu) in Sociology Undergraduate Advising.
"My mentor experience with Dean Gibson has been incredibly insightful in realizing the value of my sociology major. Within our discussions, Dean has been vocal about my strengths, which has been helpful in increasing my confidence and improving how I market myself. He has helped me conceptualize the unique benefits and transferability of my social science education. Our targeted mentor meetings have provided personal and career guidance that I will continue to use beyond my time at Ohio State." - Hawii Asoba, undergraduate sociology student