Expectations for undergraduate participants
The relationship between you and your career coach should primarily be driven by you! Once you are matched with a coach, you will do the following:
- Own the logistics.
You are responsible for the initial outreach to your career coach and should do the ‘heavy lifting’ with regards to setting a meeting time, confirming your meeting, setting expectations, etc. - Prepare for your meeting/call.
Because this opportunity primarily benefits you, plan to take ownership over driving the agenda and being clear about your desired outcomes. We will provide you with some sample emails, questions, etc to help you; however, it is important that you go into this conversation with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and that your coach is equally as aware. Additionally, be sure you do your research on your coach ahead of time so you are prepared with well thought out questions and discussion topics. - Appreciate the time of your coach.
Your coach is a volunteer, giving his time for the betterment of you so continue to be cognizant of this throughout the process. This means being on-time for calls, engaging in meaningful conversations, being flexible and certainly sending a follow-up thank you note. - Collaborate with your coach
Having someone else invested in your development will be inherently valuable. You should use this opportunity to take in knowledge, experience and expertise and work collaboratively with them on goals, action items, ideas, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many career coaching appointments can I schedule?
At this time, you may only be matched with one career coach at a time. If you have successfully completed a career coaching session and completed the closing survey, you can then complete a new interest form to participate in another career coaching session.
How will the headquarters staff match me with a career coach?
In the interest form you complete, you will indicate your career aspirations, fields of interest and level of professional development. These three indicators will help staff match you with an appropriate coach based on their answers on their own interest form.
What should I do after I get matched with a coach?
After you receive the email with information on your coach, it is your responsibility to reach out and set a meeting time. You will own the logistics. SigEp staff will provide you with a sample e-mail template.
How should I prepare for my career coaching session?
Preparing for your session may be the most productive use of your time through this process. Prepare questions for your coach and develop clear expectations for your time together. Take the time to learn about your career coach by reading through their intake form submissions and their LinkedIn profile. When you are matched with your coach, you will receive some resources to help you with this!
What platform(s) should I have to schedule and hold a career coaching session?
You and your coach 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.
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 coach 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 coach feel like another meeting(s) would be beneficial, you are welcome to do so.
I haven’t heard from SigEp staff about a match, what should I do?
Please reach out to us at events@sigep.net if you haven’t heard from us and it has been 10 or more days since you have submitted your interest form.
I want to be matched with a new career coach.
If you have already participated in a career coaching session, you must fill out the closing survey and a new interest form to be matched with a new coach. If you have been matched with a coach but are dissatisfied or the coach is unresponsive, please reach out to events@sigep.net.
I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up - would a career coach even be helpful to me?
YES! This opportunity is open to all undergraduate brothers, at any level of professional development. There are career coaches prepared and excited to talk about finding your passion, building a resume, or talking through post-graduate degrees and opportunities. You will find benefit in speaking with these alumni no matter where you are in your professional development.
