Expand your network. Share your knowledge. Reach your goals.
The Michigan IT Mentor Program provides the opportunity for network building, knowledge sharing, and professional goal development for the Michigan IT Community. All U-M IT staff are eligible to participate in the program short-term or long-term mentoring. Participants are paired based on the experience, interests, and goals they provide during sign-up.
The Michigan IT Mentor Program strives to build a culture of connectivity across the Michigan IT Community by providing our staff with opportunities to form relationships that help us connect with the university, perform better in our current roles, and grow our careers.
Mentoring Topics
- Advancing in analytics as a career
- Advocating for yourself
- Applying user experience (UX) research
- Careers in security and privacy
- Communications & change management
- Customer service & support
- Data-intensive science & research computing
- DEI in technology
- Growing from individual contributor to manager
- Leading positive and lasting culture change
- Managing hybrid & remote teams
- Navigating the University of Michigan
- Peer leadership/influencing without authority
- Recruiting & building strong teams
- Succeeding as an introvert in the workplace
- Time management
- Working with faculty
- ... and many more!
Program Testimonials
“The Mentor/Mentee relationship is unique and can benefit both people if done correctly. The mentee has a trusted partner for growth, learning, and council. And the mentor has an opportunity to develop and grow leadership, communication, and listening skills. As a mentor, I value the discussions, relationships, and knowledge sharing as much as the Mentees.”
— Kerry Flynn, Chief Information Officer, Ross School of Business
“The Michigan IT Mentor program altered what I thought working in IT entailed. I was able to seek advice, and connect with IT professionals across the Michigan IT Community. This experience has helped guide me in many ways throughout my career at the University of Michigan.”
— Aubrey Morse, Change Management Lead, HITS
“Having served as a mentor in the Michigan IT Mentor Program, I can attest to how educational and rewarding it can be. Connecting with our IT colleagues across campus, either as a mentor or mentee, makes us all better personally, professionally, and as an organization.”
— Larry Chaffee, Director of Enterprise Application Services, ITS
“I'm so grateful for all our mentors and mentees who have shared their experience, questions and desire to learn how to navigate the U-M technology ecosystem through the Michigan IT Mentor program. This program is one of the easiest ways you can broaden your exposure to so many wonderful technology professionals at U-M and help you provide a greater impact in the work you do. I would encourage everyone to find a time to participate at some point in their career here at U-M.”
— Cathleen Curley, Chief Information Officer, LSA Technology Services