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AAMPed Up: Career Navigation for Advisors

Building Skills for Career Opportunities

Purpose

The purpose of AAMPed Up is to guide academic advisors through the development of a roadmap for continuous growth, skill enhancement, improved student outcomes, and advancement within the field in consultation with a mentor. It involves assessing current skills, setting goals, seeking feedback, exploring new opportunities, and outlining steps to achieve them. AAMPed Up assists in fostering a personalized learning plan and working towards desired career opportunities within higher education. 

Program Outcomes 

  • Increased job satisfaction and fulfillment: by actively working towards career goals, individuals feel more valued and experience a greater sense of accomplishment 
  • Skill development and enhancement: help identify areas for improvement and provide opportunities to acquire new skills and competencies whether it is for your current position or a desired position 
  • Greater motivation and engagement: setting achievable goals can boost motivation and keep individuals engaged in their work 
  • Mentorship and coaching: seeking guidance from experienced advisors and participating in coaching programs can accelerate learning and professional growth (Mentee and Mentor) 

Length of the Program 

  • One academic year (fall and spring) 

Mentor Expectations 

  1. Serve as a mentor for one academic year (fall and spring) with assigned mentee(s) 
  2. Complete required mentor trainings 
  3. Monthly Mentor meetings with Program Director 
  4. Attend the Mentor/Mentee welcome social in August and wrap-up social in May 
  5. Welcome phone call or email to introduce yourself to your mentee(s)  
  6. Assist mentees with creating Advising Career Development Roadmap to include establishing 2-3 professional goals 
  7. Meet with mentee(s) monthly to formally address goal attainment 

Mentee Expectations & Requirements  

  1. Have held a full-time academic advising position for a minimum of 3 years 
  2. Participate as a mentee for one academic year (fall and spring) with assigned mentor 
  3. Create Advising Career Development Roadmap to establish 2-3 focused professional goals 
  4. Participate in welcome phone call with mentor 
  5. Meet monthly with assigned mentor to discuss goal attainment 
  6. Respond to your mentor’s communication in a timely manner 
  7. Ask questions and be respectful of mentor’s time constraints 
  8. Let your mentor know if you no longer wish to participate 

Meet the Mentors

Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Sign-up

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • AAMPed Up mentors and mentees are expected to participate in the mentoring relationship for one academic year (fall and spring), whereas the AAMP program only runs for the fall semester.
  • Mentees are required to have been working within academic advising for at least 3 years, to understand the academic advising profession and professional goals for further growth and development within the field or within higher education.
  • Mentees and mentors will need to apply to be able to participate in the program, as space will be limited each year.

Absolutely! The AAMP program is a great way to connect with advisors outside of your college/department and learn about different academic advising practices and policies before diving into your own professional growth and development.

We value providing professional development and growth for our mentors as well! Mentors can gain:

  1. Professional Development 
  2. Leadership Development  
  3. A micro-credential in coaching
  4. Networking with advisors across campus 
  5. Living out Ut Prosim by giving back to the advisor community and sharing your wealth of knowledge 
  6. University recognition 

Learning coaching skills through VT’s micro-credential coaching program helps advisors communicate more effectively and support others in meaningful ways. These skills promote active listening, reflection, and collaboration, which are valuable in leadership roles, everyday advising interactions with students, and in working with colleagues or campus partners. By emphasizing guidance rather than direction, coaching skills strengthen relationships and foster goal progression and accountability.

  • 3hr training in July 
  • 9 hours of additional training in monthly mentor meetings throughout the year 
  • Monthly meetings with mentees (September-April)

You will receive free guided one-on-one coaching from a trained mentor in creating intentional professional goals and recommendations for professional development to help you accomplish your goals and increase your career opportunities.

Monthly meetings with mentors (September-April) that can occur virtually and/or in-person.