Welcome to Athar, the flagship mentorship program at Khalifa University powered by the strength of our alumni community. As a mentor, your role is more than just guiding — it’s about shaping the future and giving back to the next generation of Emirati leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
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What am I expected to do? Mentors are encouraged to dedicate around one hour per month for one-on-one support. The focus will be on helping mentees define and reach their professional and academic goals — from personalized job search feedback and graduate study advice, to industry insights and encouragement.
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How long is the commitment? Six months. This time period ensures a meaningful experience for both mentor and mentee, where a mentee benefits completely from this relationship.
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What does the commitment look like? Your commitment includes regular check-ins (virtual or in-person), active listening, constructive feedback, and setting clear goals. Do not worry, the mentorship platform we are using will provide you with a guided plan to stay connected, focused and adapt your approach to the evolving needs of your mentee.
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Are there any risks involved? Not at all. This is a mentorship and engagement initiative fully funded by Khalifa University to promote career development and a culture of giving. This program is a further step in the University’s efforts to empower young people and connect students with alumni through meaningful interactions where mentors also benefit from fresh perspectives, enhance their communications and leadership skills, share and inspire other individuals, which are essential to the growth of a knowledge-based economy and the development of the UAE’s STEM and healthcare industries.
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What if the relationship isn’t working out? We encourage letting the mentee know about the situation and contacting the Admin immediately. We will provide full support to resolve the situation in a positive and satisfactory manner.
Mentor DO's
- Create a safe, supportive space for open communication.
- Actively listen and understand your mentee’s aspirations.
- Help set and follow through on SMART goals.
- Foster innovation, critical thinking, and resilience.
- Offer encouragement, feedback, and real-world insights.
- Respect confidentiality and maintain regular contact.
- Stay flexible and accessible.
- Be a role model and guide with empathy.
- Encourage problem-solving and skill development.
- Celebrate progress, big or small.
Mentor DON'Ts
- Feel pressured to solve everything.
- Encourage dependency.
- Be unresponsive or dismissive.
- Criticize or judge.
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Forget to communicate delays or time constraints.
