Cyber-HAWKS Peer Mentoring Program

Our CH-PMP program boosts the academic and professional growth of undergraduate and MS students through regular mentoring by graduate students.

We aim to foster a supportive learning environment, facilitate knowledge sharing and build a strong community of cybersecurity professionals. The yearlong program runs from September through May with monthly meetings covering topics from career exploration to resume building. Faculty and senior graduate students are matched with mentees based on shared interests and goals. The program strengthens academic performance and career readiness while building leadership skills.

Program Structure

For one academic year (September to May), mentors and mentees meet once a month for structured sessions. This gives participants time to develop relationships, track goal progress and apply what they learned between meetings.

Participants 

• Undergraduate mentees (Freshmen to Seniors)
• Graduate Mentors (Masters and Ph.D. students)
• Cyber Faculty

Program Components

Recruitment and Pairing

• Application Process: Interested undergraduate students and graduate students will apply to the program through an online form.
• Selection Criteria: Selection based on academic performance, interest in cybersecurity and specific areas of need or expertise.
• Matching: Pairing will be done based on areas of interest, academic goals and personal preferences. Each graduate mentor will be assigned 2-3 undergraduate mentees.

Kick-off Meeting

• Introduction Session: Overview of the program, expectations and goals.
• Ice-breaker Activities: To help mentors and mentees get to know each other.

Monthly Meetings

Each session covers a predefined topic, then opens up for discussion.

Topics

• September: Introduction to Cybersecurity - Overview of the field, career paths and emerging trends.
• October: Academic Success Strategies - Study tips, time management and resource utilization.
• November: Research and Internship Opportunities - Finding and applying for research positions and internships.
• December: Hands-on Skills Workshop - Practical skills in cybersecurity (e.g., ethical hacking, network security).
• January: Resume Building and Interview Preparation - Crafting a strong resume and preparing for technical interviews.
• February: Cybersecurity Certifications - Overview of valuable certifications and preparation strategies.
• March: Graduate School and Career Planning - Exploring further education and long-term career planning.
• April: Capstone Project Guidance - Assistance with capstone projects or significant coursework.
• May: Reflection and Feedback - Reviewing progress, providing feedback and planning for future mentoring relationships.

Additional Support

• Online Platform: Creation of a dedicated online platform (e.g., Slack or Discord) for continuous communication and resource sharing.
• Office Hours: Graduate mentors will hold virtual office hours once a month for additional support.
• Workshops and Seminars: Optional workshops and seminars on advanced topics in cybersecurity, open to all participants.

Evaluation and Feedback

• Progress Reports: Mid-year and end-of-year reports to track mentee progress towards their goals.
• Final Reflection Meeting: An end-of-year meeting to celebrate achievements, reflect on experiences and gather comprehensive feedback.

Program Benefits

Timeline

• August: Application process and mentor-mentee matching.
• September: Kick-off meeting and first monthly meeting.
• October-April: Monthly meetings and continuous support.
• May: Final reflection meeting and program evaluation.

Program Coordinators

A team of faculty members and senior graduate students will oversee the program, ensuring smooth operation and addressing any issues that arise.

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