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Mentoring Program Guide for Students

Established in 1999 by the Career Development Office, the Widener Network Mentoring Program pairs volunteer alumni, practitioners, and judges with students. Mentors provide students with the benefit of knowledge and experience to help them deal with the challenge of making major decisions early in their legal education.

Mentoring Guide for Students

Congratulations on your interest in the Mentoring Program!

The goals of this proven program are to strengthen the law school network and to assist students in becoming successful, fulfilled professionals.

These tips and suggestions are meant for those who are matched with a mentor through our mentoring program. Those who are not matched through our program may also find these tips useful in networking with attorneys on their own.

To help get you started, we offer the following topics as ideas for discussion with your mentor:
  • Course selection for later years of law school
  • Effective studying and exam-taking habits
  • "Nuts and bolts" of law practice, including different types of law practice, how to run a practice, and good management and organizational skills
  • Importance of civility and professionalism
  • Customs of law practice in your geographic region
  • Steps to take during law school to assist in success on the bar exam
  • Career advice, including marketing for a certain type of practice or legal setting, job search tips and strategies, the effect of school activities and course selection on career opportunities, resume, cover letter and interviewing advice, and establishing career goals
  • Balancing professional and personal life demands
  • Importance of using existing resources, including the Career Development Office
Many activities exist in which you and your mentor might engage, such as the following:
  • Meeting over breakfast or lunch or in the mentor's office
  • Shadowing your mentor
  • Observing court proceedings.
  • Attending bar functions and meetings with your mentor
  • Meeting (through your mentor) with other people who might be able to offer advice or insight into the practice of law
  • Conducting mock interviews or resume critiques

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the Career Development Office, 717.541.3906.

Career Development

Karen Durkin, Esq., director
Kelly Clegg, secretary
Phone: 717.541.3906
Fax: 717.541.3990
Email: [email protected]

Widener Law Commonwealth
Career Development Office
3737 Vartan Way
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.--evening counseling available upon request.