--- title: Career Mentoring Program date: 2026-01-12T10:49:00-06:00 author: Sarah Moss canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/mentoring" section: Landing Pages --- # Career Mentoring Program Dordt University’s Career Mentoring Program connects students with experienced professionals—primarily Dordt alumni—for meaningful, one-on-one guidance focused on vocation, professional growth, and life after college. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Oct-17-2025_000895-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=43&f=webp&c=9e66c1fe&v=15bab257817055cff92700c994253b892bf1a6a27a6104becfb0a4c809968dd2) ![]() ### Career Mentoring at Dordt **Experienced mentors investing in Dordt students** Dordt University’s Career Mentoring Program connects students with experienced professionals—primarily Dordt alumni—for meaningful, one-on-one conversations about vocation, professional growth, and life after college. Through flexible, relationship-based mentoring, mentors share insight and encouragement while helping students grow in confidence. ### Why Serve as a Mentor? Mentors in Dordt’s Career Mentoring Program come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and life experiences. Most are Dordt alumni, while others are professionals who share Dordt’s commitment to guiding students with wisdom and care. As a mentor, you can: - Share professional experience and practical insight - Encourage students during key academic and career decisions - Build meaningful, cross-generational relationships - Participate in a flexible program designed to fit your schedule ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/lisadekam.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=9cb62f2b&v=8db304f7f3d4d336ed4ec3bc8455a0ca698a5005240186595cf633ebfe248292) ### Lisa DeKam ('98) physical therapist“I joined hoping to offer guidance and encouragement, though I was surprised by how much I gained in return—thoughtful conversations, fresh perspective, and a renewed connection to Dordt.” ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Travis-De-Jong.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=eb8d86db&v=c71d746fbd0e0052674acde0800a147d8fa419050e65a15fbfae7af3fe4bf17d) ### Travis De Jong ('04) director of technology development“The mentoring program at Dordt provided me with an invaluable opportunity to connect with one of this year’s freshman engineers. I was paired with a student athlete, just as I was during my time at Dordt. That common ground helped start our conversations and gave me a better understanding of the challenges he faced, especially with balancing responsibilities and time management.” ### Benefits for Students Through the Career Mentoring Program, Dordt students have the opportunity to connect with experienced mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and professional insight. Students can: - Connect with mentors, including Dordt alumni, in their field of interest - Engage in monthly online or phone conversations - Grow in confidence, self-awareness, and professional direction ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/wenwenfan.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=3f9b30f5&v=fcdc575a15b149df3bb33c04cd10a2959bd4e15b6a1c4f1d368146d2164b86a4) ### Wendy Fan ('25) Education major“When I expressed concerns about teaching as a non-native speaker, my mentor reassured me that I spoke clearly and confidently. Her encouragement helped me trust my preparation at Dordt and grow in confidence as a future teacher.” ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Will25.jpeg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=14cd9c0f&v=aefd5987b65e4b0a0067baea668b590b5e5caa7da9f4458ff16f1b8872f6757f) ### Will Cutler Business: finance and entrepreneurship majorDordt's Mentorship Program has been tremendous. I have been paired with a high-caliber individual working in a field closely related to my anticipated career. He has invested substantial time and attention into me, both over the phone and in person. It has been a huge benefit to hear his real-world perspective on issues, along with his encouragement as I move forward. If you want to get somewhere, surround yourself with people that are already there. I *highly* recommend this program. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/brooklyn-vanderveen.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=7aec04b7&v=9d1e261830f208a21306d9f5a2a6168a95bf01c00d4aacaed4e82353eac5f364) ### Brooklyn Vander Veen Social work major“This program was extremely helpful for me to assess my strengths and weaknesses and become more aware of my leadership style.” ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) 1000+ active profiles on the mentoring platform 194 mentors available across professions 1:1 mentor–student connections ### A Thoughtful, Supported Experience The Career Mentoring Program offers a clear framework to support meaningful conversations. Mentors and students receive suggested themes and guiding questions for each meeting, helping both participants prepare well and engage purposefully throughout the experience. > ![Dordt University Logo]() > > “This opportunity was, in all honesty, an answer to prayers. Not only did I want to mentor and pass along knowledge to the next generation, but I also wanted to better my own skill set and ability to solidify and share my knowledge. The mentorship program is a win-win for everyone involved.” > > Stephen Brinkerhoff ('18), physical therapist at Heritage Health and PT [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a8162f183308cb8c0.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=204d94ff&v=496fb714337d53445a4514126285e206b4f14f624129ed80c2c075823ec72cda) ### Dave Schenk Employer Relations & Mentor CoordinatorMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/dave-schenk) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815c93ff3358befb.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=d2f7b14f&v=bdf57f62fb862d82c0626be595093f9568b734ca226a53685f3f26ee05da6bb3) ### Amy Westra Director of Career DevelopmentMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/amy-westra) ## Ready to get started? Whether you’re a professional interested in mentoring or a student seeking guidance, Dordt’s Career Mentoring Program offers a meaningful way to connect, learn, and grow together. [Read more](https://mentoring.dordt.edu/)