Alumni & community
Closing the gap
A VCU School of Business alumnus’s own years as a working student have grown into the Business Student Compass Fund, a retention grant that helps other students complete their degrees on time.
Mentor, inspire and connect with our students
At the VCU School of Business, we believe mentorship is one of the most impactful ways to help students explore the unlimited opportunities that come with a business education. By sharing your insights, career journey and expertise, you play an essential role in helping students identify, pursue and create meaningful paths forward.
Explore the sections below to learn how you can get involved with VCU Business mentoring and support student success.
VCU Business Mentoring Program
What is this opportunity?
Engage virtually with a group of first- and second-year students to discuss how to navigate the business world.
On average, mentoring groups consist of three to four students.
Topics include:
- Professionalism and communication
- Teamwork and hard conversations
- Leadership and management
Time commitment
Three one-hour virtual class sessions during the fall 2026 semester and an in-person mixer at the end of the semester.
It is expected that mentors attend all class sessions and the end-of-semester mixer to establish a strong mentoring relationship.
- Virtual session dates: Wednesday, Sept. 9; Wednesday, Sept. 30; and Wednesday, Oct. 21
- In-person networking mixer date: Wednesday, Nov. 11 in the Snead Hall Atrium
- Time of virtual sessions and in-person mixer:
- Cohort 1: 9:30–10:45 a.m.
- Cohort 2: 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
- Cohort 3: 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Guidance and support for mentors
All mentors will receive a mentor handbook with discussion guidelines, suggested talking points and mentoring best practices. We are here to support you through this experience!
How to get involved
Sign-ups for fall 2026 have closed. Join the spring 2027 interest list using the form below!
Career Conversations in BUSN 301: Career and Professional Development
What is this opportunity?
Discuss your career journey with a student interested in your field in a one-on-one conversation through the BUSN 301: Career and Professional Development course.
Conversations can take place by phone, video or in person.
Time commitment
Up to 1 hour per conversation.
There’s no minimum or maximum number of interviews. Participate as your schedule allows.
How to get involved
Create an account on VCU Link to become searchable in the VCU database of mentors.
You'll set your own preferences for how you'd like to connect with students (phone, video or in person), as well as your desired number and frequency of Flash Mentoring — what the platform calls our Career Conversations.
Find more details about VCU Link in the sections below.
When can students reach out?
Once your VCU Link profile is active and visible, students can reach out to you directly at any time based on shared interests, industries or career goals.
Class Speaking Opportunities
What is this opportunity?
Each semester, professionals are invited to speak to students on a variety of topics, including but not limited to:
- Industry trends and insights
- Industry expertise
- Networking
- Interviewing
- Elevator pitches
- Resumes
Time commitment
One class session, scheduled based on your availability.
How to get involved
Please fill out the interest form below, and we’ll reach out when an opportunity arises.
Executive Ambassadors
What is this opportunity?
The VCU School of Business Executive Ambassadors are experienced senior-level professionals committed to guiding, mentoring and supporting the professional development of our students.
Connect with students one-on-one in an on-site meeting to share your career path, industry insights and professional experience. These conversations provide students with a valuable opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and explore potential career directions.
Time commitment
One in-person day during the academic year.
Your day begins with lunch with VCU Business leadership at noon, followed by student meetings from 1 to 5 p.m. on an agreed-upon date.
How to get involved
Fill out the interest form below, and we’ll reach out as opportunities become available.
VCU Link
What is VCU Link?
VCU Link is an online platform that helps students, alumni and friends of the university build meaningful professional connections. Designed for the VCU community, the platform makes it easy to engage at your own pace.
Ways to use the platform
- Share your career journey with a student interested in your field
- Mentor a student or seek guidance from alumni mentors
- Browse alumni and professional directories
- Find career-related events in your area
- Join discussion boards
- Connect with others based on shared industries or goals
How to join
- Visit VCU Link and click “Join our community"
- Create your profile: Set your photo, location, LinkedIn, resume, industries, interests, etc.
- Set your preferences for privacy, availability and notifications
- Take a short quiz to help match with others
- Once your profile is visible, students and alumni can reach out to you
As part of your setup, you'll be able to set your preferred number and frequency of Flash Mentoring — this is what the platform calls our Career Conversations.
Events
No Mentoring events are scheduled at this time.
Please check back soon or visit business.vcu.edu/news-and-events/events to explore other upcoming events.