About the Program
The CCI Career Series offers workshops hosted by industry professionals to address the soft skills needed for a tech career.
The Industry Mentorship Program provides students with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals working in STEM fields.
The mentorship program pairs rising seniors with experienced professionals in the STEM field for nine months of mentoring.
Through monthly meetings (in-person, virtual, or by phone) from September to June, mentors share their educational and career experience by:
- Answering career preparation questions/concerns for students.
- Providing professional guidance through resume review and interview preparation.
- Sharing insight into their organization.
- Mapping the next steps for post-graduation plans (careers or advanced education).
- Identifying job opportunities, contacts, or leads within their network.
- Working with students on interpersonal skills and professional communication.
- Providing perspective on industry trends.
- Offering any other information necessary to support the success of student scholars.
- Encouraging mentees to schedule site visits of their mentors’ companies to enable them to gain a broader perspective of that industry.
In addition to the mentoring sessions, the program also hosts additional events to support the students. Events have included headshot sessions with the CCI photographer, resume review with the Steinbright Career Development Center, mentor meetups to network with other industry mentors, and the CCI Career Series – a set of workshops hosted by industry professionals to address the soft skills needed for a tech career.
Benefits
Through experiences both in the classroom and with a mentor, participants will gain:
- Insight and guidance about a particular industry, exploring topics related to professional preparation
- Networking and feedback
- Reflection on how their experiences and interests can translate into a career in the field
- Support of their the academic, professional, and social success and retention of undergraduate computing and information science students
- Access to a support system during critical stages of college and career development
- Insider perspective on navigating their chosen career
- Clear understanding and enhancement of academic and career development plans
- Ability to develop mentoring relationships in industries where mentoring is not readily available
- Enhanced understanding of the importance of mentors
- Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences
- Identification of skill gaps before leaving school
- Greater knowledge of career success factors
- A lasting career network
Student Feedback
At the 2025 CCI College Awards ceremony, Seynabou Faye and Lixiao Yang receive certificates from Interim Dean Shokoufandeh for completing the Industry Mentorship Program requirements.
“I built up deep connections with top industry leaders; learning the perspectives from them is quite different with traditional line managers exposed through co-op" – AY 24- 25 mentee
“I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and get to know an industry partner. I was invited to exclusive events and was able to expand my network, which would have been much harder or nearly impossible without the mentor program.” – AY 23-24 mentee
“I learned that people who are accomplished are willing to help and want to see you succeed. I used to be very shy about cold-opens and networking, but now I have the confidence to ask questions and meet new people.” – AY 23-24 mentee
“My mentor and I got along very well, and it is a relationship that will continue after the program is complete.” – AY 23-24 mentee
Mentee Eligibility
- Full-time rising CCI senior
- Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Able to commit to a full academic term
- Will not be on co-op for the full academic term
- Have great interpersonal and intercultural skills
- Have the ability to empower others
- Know the campus and the community
- Meet all program time commitments
Seeking Mentors
Are you a visionary leader at the pinnacle of the tech industry, driving innovation and shaping strategy at the highest levels? Are you passionate about empowering emerging leaders and guiding them towards success?
Step into a transformative role as a mentor in CCI’s Industry Mentorship Program.
Seeking mentors who have demonstrated accomplishment and strong commitment in their current roles, with a track record of 5-10 years of expertise in their respective fields, or who hold distinguished positions at the director level or above
- Past mentoring experience is valuable but not required.
- Invested in student success and professional development.
- Willingness to pay forward your valuable career and life experience.
- Availability in your schedule for regular meetings and check-ins with your mentee.
Applications are now open for the 25-26 cohort.
Questions? Email Samantha Coccerino (sac488@drexel.edu)
AY 25- 26 Timeline
July 2025
- Student Applications Open 7/7
- Virtual Information Session 7/8
August 2025
- Student Applications Close 8/4
September 2025
- Kick-off Event with chosen mentees
- Expectations and Mandatory date review
- Selection Process/Pairing Match
October 2025
- Mentor/Mentee Meetings - Students should initiate contact with their mentors for scheduling.
Fall Term
- Headshot session
- Steinbright Resume Review
Winter Term
Spring Term
- CCI Career Series
- College Awards