CIA Mentor Programs:

Sharing Experiences, Helping Students, Shaping the Future

There's no better voice than the voice of experience. We've all had those moments when we wished someone who's "been there" would lead us down the right path. The CIA Mentor Programs for students provide just that—an experienced professional who gives you the support and connections you need for a successful future in foodservice.

Faculty and Alumni Mentor Program
Enrolled students who participate in this program are paired with either a faculty member on campus or a CIA graduate who has been in the industry for a number of years. The Faculty and Alumni Mentor Program, coordinated by the Learning Strategies Center and the Alumni Relations Office, provides you with additional guidance and structure as you pursue your culinary or baking and pastry career.

Your Faculty/Alumni Mentor:

• Acts as a role model to demonstrate the positive results of pride, professionalism, and hard work.
• Helps you set goals and put action plans together to attain them.
• Assists you in exploring different areas of the industry for externship and for employment after graduation.
• Introduces you to the wide network of professionals and/or CIA alumni in the field.

"Mentoring is a great opportunity to assist students to get the most out of their time on campus and get a bigger understanding of the industry."
Lori Daniel '79, Founder, Two Chefs on a Roll, Carson, CA

"The advice of my mentor has helped educate me about many of the diverse opportunities in the hospitality industry. My mentor challenged me to seek out new opportunities along with supporting my individual interests."
James R. Orr '07

CIA Host Mentor Program
An exciting feature of the CIA curriculum is the off-campus externship semester at a leading industry establishment. But sometimes that excitement also brings anxiety about moving to a new town or city. Having a contact in your new "home" can go a long way toward easing the transition. As a student, you can make that connection before you even get there, through the CIA's Host Mentor Program.

Your Host Mentor:

• Gives advice about finding appropriate housing close to your extern site.
• Helps you network with local restaurateurs, manufacturers, purveyors, farmers, and more.
• Shares knowledge and tips to help you become a talented, successful culinary professional.
• Provides suggestions for exploring the area's arts, entertainment, sports, dining, shopping, etc.
• May help you make valuable industry connections for your career!

"My experience with the Host Mentor Program has been great because I was able to show a CIA extern my city, and share ideas and experiences. I highly recommend being part of this cutting-edge program with the CIA."
Robert Kabakoff '86, Owner and Director of Culinary Operations, White Chocolate Grill, Chicago, IL

Find out more about our Mentor Programs—stop by the Learning Strategies Center (Roth Hall, 2nd floor) on the CIA campus, or contact Marcy MacInnes, program coordinator, at 845-451-1283 or m_macinn@culinary.edu.