Mentor Circles Program
The Mentor Circles program is a group mentorship initiative that connects current Professional and Executive Master’s students with alumni from Brown’s School of Professional Studies. Through small-group, topic-driven conversations, alumni share insights from their career journeys, offering guidance on leadership, industry trends, skill-building, career transitions, and personal growth.
What is Mentorship?
Mentorship is a purposeful connection between alumni and students or recent graduates that fosters career growth, personal development, and exploration. Within this relationship, mentors provide guidance and support by sharing time and knowledge, offering insights rooted in real-world experience, and creating a safe space for open dialogue. Through active listening, thoughtful open-ended questions, and mutual reflection, mentorship encourages deeper self-understanding, inspires curiosity, and strengthens the connections that shape one’s path forward.
Mentorship is:
- A supportive relationship focused on career growth, exploration, and personal development
- A safe space for reflection, curiosity, and open dialogue
- An exchange of knowledge, lived experiences, and ideas
- A commitment to active listening and asking thoughtful questions
- A mutually beneficial connection that inspires growth for mentors + mentees
Mentorship is not:
- A one-way transfer of information
- A guarantee of a job
- A transactional relationship limited to networking or favors
- A space for judgment and criticism without support
- A permanent commitment
For Mentors
Interested in giving back and supporting the next generation of industry leaders? Alumni from any of Brown’s Professional and Executive Master’s Programs (School of Professional Studies) are invited to propose and lead a Mentor Circle based on a topic they are passionate about. Each session features 1 alumni host and a small group of 3-8 students and alumni (graduated < 3 years), creating a space for authentic dialogue, questions, and shared learning. Alumni choose a topic they are passionate about while students opt into sessions that align with their interests and professional goals
Designed to be a flexible, lighter-touch mentorship model, this program is ideal for alumni who want to give back in a meaningful way without a long-term time commitment—though many find it leads to deeper mentoring connections. Whether you host a one-time session, lead a short series, or stay involved regularly, your experience can make a lasting impact.
Alumni may propose to host up to 2 Mentor Circles per term to ensure high-quality engagement with participants.
For Mentees
Are you seeking mentorship? Are you a current SPS student? Looking for guidance from someone who has been in your shoes – and succeeded? Mentor Circles connect current students and recent alumni (graduated < 3 years) with Brown SPS alumni who understand the unique challenges and goals of professional and executive master’s students. In a small-group setting, you’ll engage in honest, relatable conversations that offer valuable perspectives on career transitions, leadership, industry insights, and personal development.
Students may register to participate in up to 2 Mentor Circles per term to support meaningful connections and active participation in each group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any alumni of Brown’s Professional and Executive Master’s Programs within the School of Professional Studies is welcome to propose and host a Mentor Circle. No prior mentoring experience is required.
Mentor circles are designed to be flexible and low commitment. You decide whether to propose a single session, a short series, or repeat sessions throughout the year. Mentors may host no more than 2 circles at one time.
You can propose any topic you feel passionate about and that relates to your professional experience or insights. You may also choose from a suggested list of themes provided on this list.
You propose the date(s), time, modality, location, and group size for your mentor circle. The Master’s Career Services team will oversee student registration, event marketing, and will send you participant details.
The Master’s Career Services team is happy to answer your questions, provide planning resources, and manage student registration to make your experience easy and seamless.
All current students and alumni (<3 years) of Brown’s Professional and Executive Master’s Programs are welcome to register for Mentor Circles as mentees.
Browse this list of available Mentor Circles Topics. If you find one that interests you, complete the Participant Registration Form. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis — once a circle reaches capacity, it will no longer appear on the list. You’ll receive updates confirming your enrollment status.
To ensure meaningful engagement while balancing your other commitments, you may participate in up to 2 Mentor Circles at a time. As each circle concludes, you’re welcome to register for new ones throughout the year.
Mentor Circles are small-group discussions led by an alumni mentor. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, share your goals, and hear real-world advice in a supportive, informal setting.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you can’t attend, so we can offer your spot to another participant. Repeated no-shows without notice may affect your ability to join future Mentor Circles.
New circles are added on a rolling basis as alumni propose topics. Check back regularly to see new opportunities!
