Title: Georgetown Grad Students Gain Insider’s Perspective in Collaborative Alumni Mentoring Program

Students in graduate programs at Georgetown University have access to a variety of professional development resources, from career centers, faculty mentoring and events hosted by Alumni Career Services. This school year, a new community came onto the scene developed by GradGov, Georgetown’s Graduate Student Government, that offered exciting opportunities for current students to connect with alumni working in the field. 

Launched in November 2023 by Mary Delaney Fox (G’24) and Mac Milin Kiran (G’24), the Mentoring Program has one goal: to empower students by providing a personalized mentorship experience offering real-world insights from industry professionals and alumni.

“I am impressed by GradGov’s efforts to develop this robust program,” said Annie Rao, director of the Graduate Career Center. “They have identified a unique need within the graduate student community and took concrete steps to launch it with accessibility in mind. I look forward to seeing how this program blossoms in the coming years.”

Explore Fox and Milin Kiran’s framework behind their ideation process and the experiences of two pairs of mentors and mentees in the program.

Framework for Mentorship

Cura Personalis, or “care of the person,” is one of the core values at Georgetown. The GradGov Mentoring Program celebrated this value by creating individualized experiences catering to the needs of each mentee.

Fox, a master’s candidate in the Public Relations & Corporate Communications (PRCC) program at the School of Continuing Studies, and Milin Kiran, a master’s candidate in the Communication, Culture & Technology (CCT) program at the Graduate School, determined at their first planning meeting last summer to make the program accessible for in-person and online students. They wanted students’ time in the program to complement their academic journey and expand their network. 

After the selection process in the fall, they paired mentors and mentees based on their interests, expertise and goals. The duo matched 56 graduate students with 42 industry experts from organizations like the IMF, World Bank and State Department to companies like Microsoft and Google. Both mentors and mentees found the experience fulfilling and beneficial, said Fox.

“We unlocked barriers which allowed for networking, support and celebration of achievements,” Fox said. “It allowed me to lean into my passion for partner engagement, relationship management and immersive storytelling.”

For Milin Kiran, this program is the capstone of his impressive legacy at Georgetown. He screened a variety of professionals to pair with the mentees to ensure that they would be able to use this connection holistically. 

“It was really interesting to speak with people who are not directly working in the areas that I focus on, and I learned so much,” said Milin Kiran. “Each mentor has committed their valuable time to this program, and I feel privileged to be able to connect with them.”

As they graduate this May, Fox and Milin Kiran hope that the programming can receive more resources to ensure its continued success, including those for formal and informal events to promote and sustain a vibrant community among graduate students.

A Lifelong Bond – Kudrat Soin & Daniel Smith

Kudrat Soin (G’24) is a graduate student in the CCT program. She came to Georgetown to further her knowledge of communication and to develop an understanding of technology and communication strategies. Originally from India, Soin earned her bachelor’s in mass communication and media studies from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai.

Soin joined the GradGov Mentorship Program to connect with and learn from industry professionals with communication backgrounds.

The GradGov team paired her with Daniel Smith, a director at APCO. He has an extensive background in PR and communications, with nearly a decade of experience in consulting focused on advocacy, energy and public affairs.

The two began their mentorship with a mock interview, at Soin’s request, to get to know each other. Smith was impressed with her professional goals and penchant for altruism. Throughout the program, he shared his unique perspectives and personal experiences. Soin feels grateful for his support, advice and mentorship.  

“[Meeting Daniel] was a pivotal moment in my professional growth. He has been instrumental in refining my interview techniques, expanding my professional network and identifying potential career opportunities,” Soin reflected. 

Although the mentorship program has concluded, both Soin and Smith believe that their collegial bond will last a lifetime. Smith’s guidance and encouragement will always guide Soin no matter where her career takes her.

Mentorship Turned Friendship – Ashley Juhn & Michelle Koepp

Ashley Juhn (G’26) is a part-time graduate student in the PRCC program. As she juggled her full-time job and classes, Juhn was eager to find guidance and support for her career path on the Hill. Originally from the West Coast, Juhn graduated from Biola University with a bachelor’s in political science and government.

When she discovered GradGov’s Mentorship Program, Juhn immediately felt drawn to participate. Being relatively new to Washington, DC, she was looking to establish a support network to navigate the ups and downs of life and schoolwork. Currently, Juhn works in the U.S. House of Representatives.

When she applied for the GradGov Mentorship program, she was paired with Michelle Koepp (G’18), senior manager of media and communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Koepp is an alumna of the Master of Science in Foreign Service program. Coming to Georgetown was a no-brainer for her as she was looking to establish a career in the foreign policy space. “Connections made at Georgetown truly last a lifetime,” Koepp said. “I routinely cross paths professionally with people who were my former classmates and professors.”

It was luck, says Juhn, that she was paired with Koepp as her mentor in the program. Juhn soon discovered that Koepp also balanced working full-time while earning her master’s degree. “Her insights on achieving a healthy work-life balance were invaluable,” says Juhn. “As the program draws to a close, I’m grateful to have Michelle not only as a mentor but also a friend.”

From candid and constructive conversations about career growth, both Juhn and Koepp are grateful to have been paired together this year.

Koepp’s experience working with Juhn also taught her some lessons as well. “As someone who’s benefited personally from the power of mentorship, I feel I have a moral obligation to uplift. Every conversation we had made us both better communications professionals,” Koepp said.