Expectations for career coaches
We are so appreciative of the time and effort you are offering to our undergraduate brothers. To best set them up for success, we’ve developed a few expectations for you, as a coach, that complement those communicated to our undergraduates:
- Leave control to the student.
Since this opportunity primarily benefits our undergraduate brothers, we have asked them to do the ‘heavy lifting’ with regards to setting a meeting time, desired outcomes, etc. They should be doing the initial outreach to you within five days; if you have not heard anything by then, please e-mail events@sigep.net. - Prepare for your meeting/call.
We have provided you with the basic information your undergraduate brother submitted during the registration process. Please review in advance to gain a better understanding of his experiences and what he is looking to gain out of your time together. - Ask questions.
Although we are providing students with some sample agendas, questions, etc, for many, this may be the first professional development conversation they’ve had or led. Be prepared to ask questions to understand where he is and what he’s looking for out of your coaching session – more than what he stated on his registration. While you undoubtedly have a fountain of information to share with a young brother, asking questions will lead to the most effective use of everyone’s time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many career coaching appointments will I have?
You will only be matched with one undergraduate at a time. After completing your first session and completing the closing survey, you can opt in to coaching another student (and we hope you will!)
How will the headquarters staff match me with an undergraduate?
Each undergraduate will complete an interest form, just like coaches. We will take their answers (particularly regarding career aspirations, fields of interest and level of professional development) and compare them to the answers from coaches to find the best possible match.
What should I do after I get matched with an undergraduate?
Wait! We’ve asked the undergraduate to own the logistics - meaning they should reach out to you to set up a meeting time.
How should I prepare for my career coaching session?
When you are matched with your undergraduate, we will send you information from their interest form such as where they are in their professional development, their preferred fields of interest, etc. Please take some time to review this information prior to your session so you will be more familiar with where the student is in his journey and where he needs help.
How much time should I set aside for my career coaching session?
We estimate that a productive career coaching session should last around an hour, but know that conversation and development will look different for everyone.
How will SigEp staff communicate with me about my match?
SigEp staff will use the email address you submit in your interest form to communicate with you. Please be attentive to that inbox and reach out to us at events@sigep.net if you have any questions or concerns about communication.
Do I meet with my undergraduate only one time?
Initially, yes. The expectation is that the undergraduate and coach commit to one session. However, after that initial session, if you and your student feel like another meeting(s) would be beneficial, you are absolutely welcome to do so!
What platform(s) should I have to schedule and hold a career coaching session?
You and your undergraduate will decide what platform is best suited for your session. Some may choose to meet over the phone or via FaceTime, Google Hangouts or Zoom. You should be attentive to your email inbox as scheduling and initial conversations will be all over email.
I haven’t heard from SigEp staff about a match, what should I do?
Know that the headquarters staff is diligently working to find you the best possible match based on the answers you provided on your interest form and the answers the undergraduates provide on theirs. If you haven’t heard from the staff about a match and it’s been several weeks since you’ve submitted your form, please feel free to reach out at events@sigep.net.
I want to be matched with a new undergraduate.
If you have already participated in a career coaching session, please fill out the closing survey and, while doing so, you’ll be asked if you’d like to coach another undergraduate. If you have been matched with an undergraduate but are dissatisfied or the student is unresponsive, please reach out to events@sigep.net.
I am an alumnus and would like to meet with a career coach.
At this time, we are only matching undergraduates with career coaches. Should capacity allow it, we will open this opportunity up to alumni. If you think you’d be a beneficial coach to an undergraduate, fill out an interest form.
