Want to Really Connect with MIT Students? Here's How

Alumni can have a huge impact on students' lives, inspiring and mentoring them as well as supporting programs and activities. So how can you forge meaningful relationships with today's MIT students both locally and from a distance? Here are several ways.

• Mentor a student in the Bernard M. Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program, which provides outstanding undergrads experiential learning, immersion in authentic leadership positions, and intensive self- and peer-evaluations. You can also host an intern from the program at your workplace.

• Offer a global opportunity through the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), the Institute's largest international program offering applied global studies in 10 countries.

• Host a January student extern through the Student/Alumni Externship Program or summer internships for students through the Freshman/Alumni Summer Internship Program or Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program. UPOP also needs volunteers for panels, mock interviews, and more.

• Serve on your fraternity, sorority, or independent living group (FSILG) Alumni Corporation or Alumni Advisory Board. These groups all rely heavily on alumni volunteers. Locate your living group's officers or contact Bob Ferrara '67 for more information.

• Advise students seeking career guidance from seasoned professionals as part of the Institute Career Assistance Network (ICAN).

• Volunteer to teach or mentor students or sponsor an event at the MIT Leadership Center, based at the Sloan School of Management, which sponsors speakers, lectures, and classes throughout the year to give MIT students access to the latest in leadership thinking.