The RPS Express Mentorship Program

The RPS Express Mentorship Program (EMP) is an annual initiative designed for our junior class and alumni, offering students the chance to explore their career interests through engagement with experienced alumni across diverse industries. Alumni sign up for the program during winter, commencing the mentorship process. The program is then introduced to students in their Junior Seminar class, facilitated by our College Counseling and Advancement departments.

Juniors participate by submitting applications, indicating their preferences for alumni mentors. Virtual introductions take place between the selected alum mentors and juniors in late March and early April. Each year, we welcome a robust cohort of 50 to 70 alumni mentors.

The term "express" is pivotal to our program, as interactions can vary from more extended internships to brief exchanges, such as a few emails. The time commitment is flexible and entirely dependent on the alum's availability.

To cater to alumni worldwide, we encourage virtual connections through email, Zoom, or occasionally in-person meetings. The emphasis is on accommodating the diverse locations of our alumni.

As we gear up for spring 2024, mentor sign-ups for our junior class are currently open. In addition to this program overview, we are thrilled to feature three mentor and mentee pairings from Spring 2023, showcasing the impactful connections forged through the RPS Express Mentorship Program.

Visit https://www.rutgersprep.org/mentor to register and learn more about EMP 2024.

2023 Featured Pairings

Tanim Awwal ’08 and Zach B. ’24, Student Council President

Area of interest and expertise: US Government

“I met with Mr. Awwal in the spring, and his insight on government and his professional growth has impacted my thought process for my future career in government. We also discussed his experience at one of the schools I’m applying to, and provided valuable information impacting my college process. I hope to continue working with Mr. Awwal throughout the college process and use his wisdom to further my professional development.” – Zach B.

Della Chercia ’75 and Palash S. ’24 and Anay U. ’24

Area of interest and expertise: Finance

“The RPS Express Mentorship Program introduced me to Palash S. and Anay U.—they are both impressive, intelligent, motivated, well-mannered, and high achievers with busy lives. It was a pleasure to get acquainted with them and be a sounding board for their aspirational ideas. I am happy to interact with these students and to be a resource for them.” – Della Cherchia

David Hyman ’71 and Grace W. ’24

Area of interest and expertise: Law

“The Express Mentorship Program went beyond my expectations because my mentor was more than just an RPS connection. Mr. Hyman has helped me with aspects of the college process and beyond. It was easy talking with him.” – Grace W.

Our alumni work at prestigious employers such as:

Morgan Stanley, Penn State University, United States Senate, University of Pennsylvania, (retired) Pfizer, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Instacart, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Novartis, Main Line Health, Meta, Topgolf, buzzback, Temple University Hospital, Apple, American Express, General Motors, Supreme Court of California, Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), University of Suffolk, NYU

Job titles of 2023 mentors include:

Ph.D. Candidate, Food Science	Financial Advisor, Financial Service Company	Global Commercial Excellence Director, Chemical Manufacturing
Doctor	Deputy Press Secretary, US Senate	Plastic Surgeon, University Hospital System
Retired Vice President of Injectable Technology, Pharmaceuticals	Special Agent, US Government	Systems Engineer, Automotive Company
Military Legislative Assistant, Government	Technical Recruiter, Online Shopping	Medical Doctor, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Senior Vice President Strategy, Digital & Business Innovation, Pharmaceuticals	Lawyer, Partner	Security Engineer, Cloud Computing Service Provider
Patient Advocate, Teaching Hospital	Physical Therapist, Acute Care	Assistant to Head of Production, Media Studio
Product Strategy Lead, Technology Company	Semi-Professional Soccer Player	Artist & Hip-Hop Producer
Tutor & Academic Coach	Hospitality Entrepreneur	Corporate Attorney
Copywriter & Proofreader	Actor & Production Professional	Food & Beverage Manager, Sports Entertainment Company
Retired Chief Financial Officer, Nonprofit Organization	Research Director, Marketing Consultant	Fellow, Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital
Visual Effects Supervisor, Film & TV	Vice President, Engineering, Financial Services Company	Design Producer, Tech Company
Accounting Student & Intern, Accounting Firm	Senior Analyst & Trader, Investment Bank	Occupational Therapist
Electrical Engineer, Automotive Company	Investment & Asset Manager	Lawyer, Chambers Attorney
Budget Analyst, US Government	Executive Assistant to the Associate Director of Energy and Mineral Resources	Author
High School Principal	Adoption Social Worker	Sales, Mortgage Loan Officer
Speech Language Pathologist, Special Education	Department Head, Humanities Department, Higher Education	High School Principal
Student - Speech Language Pathology	General Counsel (Law), Fitness Corporation	District Manager, NJ General Assembly
Professor, Real Estate & Environmental Sustainability	Lawyer & Law Clerk, Federal Judge	Special Education Teacher

News & Events