The International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville is now offering a professional mentorship program to clients to help them advance their careers. The program pairs eligible and interested clients with professional volunteer mentors in the community to receive valuable advice and attend networking opportunities while searching for jobs in their field in the US.

The mentee and mentor will meet approximately twice a month, depending on their availability, to discuss training opportunities, networking events and contact information for relevant professionals in the industry, available courses in their field, changes or new trends/vocabulary in the field, and any specific recertification/licensing processes.

Mentors provide invaluable guidance that increases refugees’ self-sufficiency and sense of purpose in the United States. After mentees become employed or advance their careers, mentors can continue providing support by connecting them to networking events and offering feedback and support while they transition to their new jobs.

We are currently seeking volunteer professional mentors with expertise in the following fields:

  • Healthcare/Medical
  • Engineering
  • Construction/Maintenance
  • Law

Location: IRC Office, public library, coffee shop, or another agreed-upon location.

Time Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment, meeting twice/month.

Responsibilities: Provide support and guidance to mentee in navigating his/her career path. Depending on their background, some clients may need focused tutoring to improve their English for a specific job, others may need help studying for exams or certifications, and others may just need someone to help them network.

Skills/Qualifications: Volunteers must have expertise and background in a relevant field, be culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse backgrounds, self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision, and able to handle sensitive client information confidentially. 

How to Apply: Complete a Volunteer Application online, and email [email protected] to indicate your interest in this position or to ask questions.