Private Sector Mentorship Program

 

Many students join the board of private sector meteorologists mentorship program because they are unsure of the next step. Your mentor was once in the same position and had the same difficult questions. With their past experience, your mentor can provide career building advice and direction as you prepare for life after graduation!

 

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 BPSM Mentorship Program!  Please review the eligibility requirements below, as they have recently changed. 

 

Important Deadlines

Applications are due by February 12, 2024. 

 

Advanced Annual Mentorship: Enroll

**NEW** Summer Mentorship: Application Coming Soon

Everyone needs some direction in their career. By becoming a mentor, you can contribute to a strong and charitable meteorological community while also growing and diversifying your network. 

If you have mentored with us previously, you do not have to fill out an application. Please email us to confirm your interest in the program.

Mentors: Enroll

 

Goals of the Program

  • To establish mentorship relationships between advanced undergraduate and graduate meteorology and atmospheric science students and professionals in private industry.
  • To facilitate mutual learning and growth through the collection and exchange of information and advice on professional career development.
  • To sustain organic growth of the professional network of mentors and students.

 

Eligibility

Summer Mentorship

  • Enrolled in an undergraduate program in earth/atmospheric sciences AND 
  • Completed one semester of meteorology coursework (3 credit hours) equivalent to introduction in weather/atmospheric sciences.  

Advanced Annual Mentorship

  • Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in earth/atmospheric sciences AND
  • Completed one semester of Atmospheric Dynamics or Thermodynamics (3 credit hours). 
  • OR a recent graduate within the last 9 months. 

 

Mentors: Minimum of two years of experience working in private industry. 

Have questions? Email us! 

 

student faq

 

1) What if I don’t know what to do with my career?

"I applied to the program because I wanted a different perspective in the meteorology field.  At the time, I was preparing to graduate from college and I couldn't solidify the area I wanted to work in.  My interests are so versatile, I could go anywhere.  I hoped to communicate with a professional, to receive advice with the transition between college and the workforce, and to determine the best style for my resume so I can sell myself to a potential job.  My mentor has been great thus far, satisfying the expectations I had."

2) Will the mentorship program help my job search?

“I applied to this mentor program to expedite my job search and grow my network in energy meteorology. As I have gone through the program my mentor and I have made progress with not only our professional relationship but also personal. He has given me contacts to follow on social media, sent me prospective jobs, and given advice on resumes and interviews. This program has been everything I have wanted it to be so far.”

3) What kind of careers can I pursue in the private sector for Meteorology?

“I decided to apply for this mentorship as I did not have any previous experience in the private sector of meteorology. It has been very important for me to explore careers in this field while in my undergraduate career, and the private sector was one I was left with limited knowledge about coming into my senior year. Through this mentorship, I was expecting to learn more about different positions within private sector meteorology such as forensics, consulting, etc., and can happily say that I have thoroughly been introduced to these positions and much more.”

 

Mentoring Program Testimonials

My mentor gave me a new perspective on the field of meteorology and helped me see different possible career options for when I graduate.  This was a wonderful opportunity to develop knowledge and skills that will benefit any direction I take with my career.  Although we don’t communicate as much as we used to, she remains vested in my personal and professional growth and success!
– Kathleen Dougherty, University of Oklahoma

My experience with my mentor has been so rewarding to me in so many ways.  Not only with her guidance in schooling and professional work, she has also been a great friend to me.  She has been influential in critical decision making in my career in the atmospheric sciences and has introduced me to a new world of networking.  My career experience wouldn’t be the same without her.
– Karretta Venable, Columbus State University