When Shimana Bose (DVMx26) first filled out her application for the UW School of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni-Student Mentor Program (ASMP), she was thrilled about the opportunity to seek advice from a veterinary professional.
“As a student who was not very familiar with the veterinary medicine field prior to vet school, the program gave me a launching point for networking and what important events to attend in the field,” Bose says.
Fostering students’ professional and personal growth through one-on-one mentorship, the program emphasizes supporting students, building confidence, and creating a sense of belonging, all to prepare students for their careers post-graduation and to cultivate the next generation of trusted veterinarians. Given these goals, SVM alumni are uniquely suited to guide current students as they navigate school and consider their professional futures.
“This program is a tangible and meaningful example of how engaged our alumni are and the important ways in which they give back,” says Kristi Thorson (MS’97), associate dean for advancement and administration. She notes the SVM Alumni Association helped support and advance the ASMP, adding, “Supporting student success is always top of mind for us, and there is truly no one better equipped than our own graduates to provide this kind of guidance and mentorship to our current students.”
An application window and selection process between June and August sets the stage for the program to be active from October through April each academic year. Any interested alumni are encouraged to apply, and the program is open to current DVM students in their second and third year.
Cecilia Fredel (’20 MS’22), career development coordinator for the SVM, has played a key role in launching and managing the program. She echoes the value of this unique connection and relationship between current students and graduates.
“SVM recognized the need to provide students with additional support within the veterinary medicine industry, helping them build strong professional networks and develop essential career skills,” Fredel says. “This program was designed based on evidence-based models and practices shared across other vet med programs nationwide as well as successful mentorship initiatives at UW-Madison.”
During the program’s first year, the 2023-24 academic year, 46 alumni/student matches (92 total participants) were assigned based on similar career interests and social identities. The initial cohort had a one-to-one mentor-to-mentee ratio, ensuring each student received dedicated personal attention from their matched alumni veterinary professional. Students who participated in the pilot year reported 91% positive feedback in follow up surveys.
Kjerstin Jacobs (DVM’99) says she was delighted to be a part of the program and has applied to be a mentor again for the current school year.
“One thing I enjoyed in an unexpected way was the opportunity to relate with someone decades my junior without the typical employer/employee relationship structure,” Jacobs says. “It was really a breath of fresh air, being able to relate to a future colleague as a big sister figure instead of as a boss.”
Once matches are made, the expectation is that pairs connect virtually or in person monthly. At each meeting, the focus is intended to be on career guidance, leadership, communication, goal-setting and decision-making skills. ASMP also virtually hosts programs — such as the Welcome Kickoff/Orientation, Wrap-Up Social, and more — to bring together all students and alumni.
With these program events and monthly meetings, alumni mentor Robert Forbes (DVM’06) says it was great to connect with the next generation of his profession.
“The program was a good reminder of how both sides find value in a mentoring relationship,” Forbes says. “It also reminded me that regardless of how long I’ve been out of school, I still need mentors as I look towards the second half of my career.”
Reflecting on the 2023-2024 ASMP cohort, future considerations were made to further improve the program. The topic of balancing structure and flexibility was raised, such as developing a centralized online resource for participants while offering leeway for their schedules and needs. Additionally, technological support was brought up, including using AI technology to anonymize alumni profiles to improve the matching process and program efficiency.
Many success stories have been shared as both mentors and mentees reflect on the program’s initial year. For one, student mentee Brynna Jovanovich (DVMx26) said her mentor can provide another perspective on challenges she faces and questions she has.
“My mentorship experience was incredibly valuable in that I have made a connection with someone who relates to me,” Jovanovich says. “I would encourage all students to partake in this experience. This single connection may build into future networking opportunities or a lifelong friendship.”
By Simran Khanuja