The Advice with Alumni - Franklin Edition provides speed mentoring at its best

The most recent Advice with Alumni (AwA) – Franklin Edition provided students with more than just a chance to network. It created a space where meaningful conversations and shared experiences sparked confidence and motivation for life post-graduation. 

Held during Franklin’s semiannual Board of Advisors meeting in Athens, the event brought together students and distinguished alumni for an afternoon of speed mentoring. The format of rotating, focused conversations made the experience approachable and energizing by breaking down the usual barriers of traditional networking. 

For many students, the impact went beyond professional advice. One student shared, “I enjoyed the variety of alumni. As a student, it was inspiring to hear from professionals who have taken different career paths, and it showed me there’s not just one ‘right’ way forward.”  

Another reflected on the personal lessons they carried away, noting, “I took away that we all have failures, but how you respond to those failures is what defines you. That really resonated with me as I’m navigating my own career choices.” 

The stories and encouragement from alumni left students with practical strategies and a sense of reassurance. Ahsan Ullah, a second-year physics major, wrote that hearing from alumni provided, “valuable experiences and strategies to carry forward.” Third-year communications studies major, Jade Kelley also described the conversations as a reminder that “there are many different paths you can take after graduation.” 

Alumni also valued the chance to support students on their journeys. One board member reflected, “It was great to have the opportunity to meet with students and share our experiences.” 

For many, mentoring current Bulldogs was a meaningful way to invest in the success of the next generation. Events like the Franklin Edition of Advice with Alumni reinforce how powerful these connections can be for student success. For students, the conversations build confidence and possibility. For alumni, the opportunity to give back demonstrates the lifelong connection of the Franklin community. 

As the AwA program continues to expand, events like the Franklin Edition illustrate the importance of nurturing strong relationships between current students and alumni that lead to student success. By linking classroom learning with lived experience, students gained not only professional insights but also the confidence to pursue their own unique paths forward. 

For students and alumni looking to continue these kinds of meaningful connections beyond AwA, the UGA Mentor Program offers an easy way to get involved. To enroll in the program – whether as a mentor or mentee – simply log in with LinkedIn or an email address and create a profile on the official UGA Mentor Program site. Share any personal interests, experiences, and background to help mentors and mentees find the right fit. Students or alumni can then request the right mentor for them based on a variety of criteria including industry, major, location, and more.  

From there, participants commit to the connection and grow their network through shared guidance, experience, and camaraderie.