College can be confusing and hard to navigate, especially during your first year. 

The Thompson Earth Systems Institute’s Environmental Leaders Network is launching a mentorship program to bridge the gap in knowledge and better introduce students to all UF has to offer. This program also acts as a valuable resume building experience and offers opportunities to develop and enhance necessary career soft skills. 

Mentees 

• Receive advice and feedback from students with more experience at UF.  

• Gain useful tips and strategies for academic success, including studying, time management, how to connect with professors, and course recommendations.  

• Obtain guidance and information on potential career paths, acquiring internships and relevant experience, and joining clubs. 

• Learn new skills and knowledge from experienced students.  

• Build relationships with fellow mentees.  

• Gain access to networking and social connection opportunities.  

Mentors 

• Give others advice you wish you had received as a new student and provide insights to navigate new situations using your own experiences.  

• Build leadership, motivational, communication, and interpersonal skills.  

• Gain mentorship experience and professional development to assist in achieving your future career goals (can be included on your resume as you embark on your career).  

• Directly contribute to the growth and success of others.  

• Build relationships with fellow mentors.  

• Gain access to networking and social connection opportunities. 

Eligibility  

• Currently enrolled as a University of Florida undergraduate student  

• Must be a member of the EL Network
  • Sign up here (free and open to any major!)
• Mentees can be students that have been at UF for less than 1 year (in your first or second semester) 
• Mentors can be students that have been at UF for more than 2 years (in your 5th semester or later) 

Time Commitment

• Spring 2025 semester, with the option to continue if mutually beneficial to both mentor and mentee

Requirements 

• Be in attendance for the mentorship orientation event in January and the mentorship celebration event in April 

• Have a monthly meeting with your mentor/mentee 

• Complete a pre- and post-mentorship survey to help us make this program better for future cohorts  

Apply

Fill out an application here!

• Priority pairing given to those that apply by December 13th.
• Pairs will be made by the TESI Team and announced by email in early January. 

Contact

If you have any questions, please reach out to Alexandria O’Donovan at a.odonovan@ufl.edu.