Volunteerism is a key element in the success of the Carlson School; each year, approximately 2,000 alumni and friends give the gift of their time by serving as volunteers in a wide array of programs throughout the school. We hope that you will consider making a gift of your time through one of the following volunteer programs:

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) also provides volunteer opportunities for alumni. Find out more by visiting their site at www.alumni.umn.edu.

Alumni Career Network
Volunteers for the Alumni Career Network agree to allow current students to contact them in order to discuss career related topics. This is an integral part of the Business Career Center's approach to helping students build their professional networks. Sign up to volunteer here. (Return to top)

Mentoring
The Carlson School offers several opportunities for alumni and other business professionals to serve as mentors to undergraduate and human resources and industrial relations graduate students.

Undergraduate Mentor Program
The Undergraduate Mentor Program provides students with the opportunity to make contacts in the Twin Cities business community and to enhance their professional networking skills. As a mentor, you will be giving students the advice and guidance they need to clarify their career goals and understand the range of opportunities that are available to them. Time commitment is typically 2-3 hours per month. Sign up to volunteer here. (Return to top)

HRIR Mentor Program
The HRIR Alumni-Student Mentor Program matches HRIR graduate students with an alumnus/ae, providing the student the opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge from HR professionals as well as advice on the direction of their future careers. The role of the mentors is to meet with their student regularly throughout the 9-month program. Participants are also invited to CHRLS roundtable discussions and receive suggestions on activities to attend together. To participate in this program, please contact the program by e- mailing ipx@csom.umn.edu. (Return to top)

MBA Student Recruitment
Alumni volunteers can help the MBA Admissions continue to recruit top national and international student prospects by attending recruitment events, calling prospective students, and serving as an alumni contact for candidates. This is an excellent opportunity for MBA alumni living outside of Minnesota to volunteer, helping to convey the strength of the Carlson MBA program. Time commitment varies, depending on scheduled events and other recruitment efforts. Sign up to volunteer here. (Return to top)

Guest Speaker
Each semester, over 400 alumni and other industry leaders are brought into classrooms at the Carlson School. Speakers share real-world applications of the theories and practices students learn in their textbooks and from faculty. Time commitment varies; speakers are needed for both day and evening classes and events. Sign up to volunteer here. (Return to top)

Student Coaching
Alumni volunteers serve on review panels for student presentations at the Carlson School. Alumni provide students with direct feedback and coaching about their credibility, persuasiveness, message strategy, and presentation style in order to help students develop their writing, speaking, and presentation skills. Time commitment for this activity is 1-2 hours per semester during the school day. Ideally, volunteers will have experience in writing and presenting reports. Sign up to volunteer here. (Return to top)

Alumni Advisory Organizations
Throughout the Carlson School, alumni are active in an advisory capacity, helping to develop and strengthen current programs and events, as well as helping to shape the future of the school. Alumni volunteers expressing an interest in becoming involved in this way will be contacted to discuss their interests and background, and will be referred to the appropriate programs or departments. Time commitments vary, and will depend on the needs of the program or department. Sign up to volunteer here. (Return to top)

For More Information
If you are interested in more information about any of the above volunteer opportunities at the Carlson School, please fill out a volunteer form here or contact Shelly Grothe, associate director of alumni services at (612) 626-9486 or sgrothe@csom.umn.edu.