iSTAMP
Mentor an MLIS student!
The student-led iSTAMP (Student-to-Alumni-Mentorship Program) pairs students earning their Master of Library and Information Science degrees with professionals in the field.
Our application period is currently open, and will be closing on Sept. 10, 2022. To apply, fill out this survey.
iSTAMP Overview
iSTAMP is an opportunity to form meaningful connections between students and alumni to support personal and professional growth in the library and information science field, focusing on more than just specific career goals. Each alumni-student pair meets monthly from October through May.
To qualify as a mentor, alumni must have spent at least two years working in the field since graduating from the University of Washington MLIS program. There is no need to be located in the Seattle area, as pairs can meet online, via phone, or in person. Applicants will be alerted of their matches during the last two weeks of September.
iSTAMP is specific to MLIS students and alumni. The iMentorship program offers mentorship opportunities for students in the iSchool’s Bachelor of Science in Informatics and Master of Science in Information Management programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the goal of iSTAMP?
- We aim to provide meaningful opportunities for professional development between MLIS students and alumni, while promoting University of Washington’s goals for student retention and the iSchool’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- What are the benefits to participants?
- Mentorship benefits both the mentor and mentee by allowing each to learn from experiences, exchange ideas, share problems, help one another to grow professionally, further develop interpersonal skills, and give advice on career opportunities. Mentorship allows students to receive both academic and real-world career guidance from those already in their prospective fields, and mentors are 6 times more likely to get promotions compared to those without mentees.
- Who would I be mentoring?
- Our program supports the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program residential and online students.
- Will training be provided?
- We will provide guidance and training to help both mentors and mentees get the most from the experience.
- What is the time commitment?
- Mentors and mentees are expected to meet for one-on-one meetings once per month from October through May. Meetings typically last about one hour, but length can vary based on mentor-mentee needs.
- I don’t live in the Seattle area. Can I still apply?
- Absolutely! We support mentors and mentees regardless of location.
- Are mentor/mentee meetings remote or in person?
- Great question! Mentor/mentee pairs decide this based on their locations, schedules, and personal preferences. Pairs located far apart may choose to meet at professional conferences.
- How are mentors and mentees paired together?
- Faculty sponsor Helene Williams and the student iSTAMP coordinators arrange the iSTAMP pairings prior to each academic year. Matches are made based on needs and preferences expressed on the application forms. If you have questions, please reach out to istamp@uw.edu.
- What will be asked of me on the application?
- We ask a variety of questions of both our potential mentors and mentees, with the goal of providing the best possible match in terms of career goals, identity, networking needs and more. Here is an example of some questions asked of potential mentors:
- If there are identity-related topics which you feel comfortable discussing with a mentee, regardless of if they match your own identity, please clarify below.
- In a short paragraph, describe ways that you integrate the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sovereignty (IDEAS) into your work as an information professional.
- Please list any additional facets of your career which you think would be relevant to matching you with potential mentees. (This includes skills you may have, clarification on your career path, and any specific career-related needs you could cater to.)
- We ask a variety of questions of both our potential mentors and mentees, with the goal of providing the best possible match in terms of career goals, identity, networking needs and more. Here is an example of some questions asked of potential mentors:
Become a Mentor
Our application period is currently open, and will be closing on Sept. 10, 2022. To apply, fill out this survey.
If you have questions, please reach out to the student iSTAMP coordinators at istamp@uw.edu.