Innovation Scholars

• Hands-on experience that can help define career goals
• Insight into interesting careers and industries
• Chance to test career and major choices that help inform academic paths
• One-on-one access to senior community leaders
• Potential for future internships or other roles within the company

To apply for the Innovation Scholar Career Exploration Program, students must:

• Be an incoming first time in college student at USF. St. Petersburg in Summer or Fall
• Have an interest in career exploration and some ideas for potential areas of interest
• Minimum 3.75 GPA

We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2023 program. Please note that the application requires a short statement (250 words maximum) about your career interests and a description of what you hope to gain from participation in the program. That statement must be uploaded to the application form.

Student Application

• First-time-in-college students coming to USF St. Petersburg the Summer or Fall semester apply by the program deadline, indicating industries and job fields of interest.
• Before the start of the fall semester, applicants will meet briefly via phone or video with the program coordinator to discuss their interests.
• The program coordinator reviews applications, determines availability and pairs qualified students with an appropriate mentor match. The program coordinator aims to meet the interests of students but may offer alternative options when necessary.
• Students and mentors attend a meet-and-greet reception in early September.
• Mentors and students meet a minimum of three times throughout a semester for at least two hours. During these meetings, mentors provide students an overview of the industry, a tour of the company, attendance at company meetings or events, and at least one meeting with senior company leadership.
• Students will participate in coaching and skill-building group sessions during the fall semester.
• Students who participate in the Fall have the possibility of continuing with a mentor into the Spring semester, or exploring another mentor opportunity.
• Where interests and needs align, these shadowing opportunities set the stage for an internship experience during the students’ second year.

• Maintain full-time status at USF St. Petersburg
• Complete a goal-setting worksheet at the start of the program as well as mid-semester and end of semester surveys
• Seek advice or consultation from the program coordinator or the Career Center at any time
• Respond within 24 hours to communication from their mentor and the program coordinator
• Participate in all scheduled meetings with their mentor
• Notify the program coordinator promptly if unable to connect with their mentor

• Opportunities to mentor motivated and enthusiastic student
• Grooming students for future employment
• Publicity on USF St. Petersburg’s website, in public meetings, and in news releases

• Download the Mentor Handbook
• Attend a meet-and-greet reception in early September.
• Meet with mentee(s) 3 times for at least 2 hours per semester, during which time the mentor:
  
  • Assesses student interests and abilities
  • Provides an overview of the industry, company and key positions
  • Provides a tour of the organization, introductions to other staff
  • Invites mentee to shadowing opportunities during company meetings or events
  • Facilitates meetings with company leadership/executive(s)
• Complete a short (five minute) monthly survey about the student's participation in mentorship activity
• Communicate at any time with USF St. Petersburg program coordinator or Career Services regarding any issues or concerns with the student throughout semester

• First-time-in-college students coming to USF St. Petersburg in Summer or Fall semester apply to program indicating job sectors of interest.
• The program coordinator will review applications, determine availability and pair qualified students with an appropriate mentor match. The program coordinator will aim to meet the interests of qualified students but may offer alternative options when necessary.
• Students and mentors attend a meet-and-greet reception in early September.
• Mentors and students meet a minimum of three times throughout a semester for at least two hours. During these meetings, mentors provide students an overview of the industry, a tour of the company, attendance at company meetings or events, and at least one meeting with senior company leadership.
• Students who participate in the Fall have the possibility of continuing with a mentor into the Spring semester, or exploring another mentor opportunity.
• Where interests and needs align, these shadowing opportunities set the stage for an internship experience during the students’ second year.

Please complete the application to be included in our mentor pool. Application does not guarantee a mentor match. Matches are made based on student and mentor interests and career paths.

Mentor Application