Cyber-HAWKS Peer Mentoring Program

The Cyber-HAWKS Peer Mentoring Program (CH-PMP) is designed to enhance the academic and professional development of undergraduate and MS students in cybersecurity through regular mentoring by graduate students.

Our program aims to foster a supportive learning environment, facilitate knowledge sharing, and build a strong community of cybersecurity professionals.

Program Structure

This program has a one academic year duration (September to May). Meetings are held once a month.

Participants 

• • Undergraduate mentees (Freshmen to Seniors)
  • Graduate Mentors (Masters and PhD students)
  • Cyber Faculty

Program Components

Recruitment and Paring

• • 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

Format: Structured sessions with predefined topics, followed by open 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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