Mudd Compass FAQs

Why offer time to share your experience?

Because Mudders help other Mudders. Chances are that you’ve been helped along the way, and this is a way to use your own experiences and life lessons to pay that forward. You can also build coaching and leadership skills and possibly even find the next hire for your team!

How does it work?

First, complete your profile. You can use LinkedIn to automatically fill in some of your information. Set your availability preferences to indicate how much time you can commit and how many information requests from alumni and students you can handle at once. Alumni typically set between 5 and 10 per month. Students and alumni will be able to view your profile and reach out to ask questions. Sometimes it takes a while to be discovered, so please be patient! We hope you will accept the requests you receive, but you do have the option to decline if you don’t have time or think it’s the wrong fit. Once connected, we’ll suggest various conversation topics.

What is expected of me in the role of information provider?

Share your experiences and career journey. Help others define their own goals and support them as they work toward those goals. Be a resource. Consider staying connected to the student or alum when appropriate.

I’m not receiving messages from students or alumni consistently, what do I do?

Be sure to check your spam folder for any potential lost messages. If this problem continues to persist, message us by clicking the Help button at the bottom left and we’ll help resolve the issue. It can sometimes take a while to be discovered, so please be patient!

While waiting to be contacted for information, what are other ways I can help out?

Check out the Discussion tab and answer questions from the community. Enhance your profile and add more details about your work experiences. Help spread the word about our program to fellow students and alumni! Provide feedback on how we can improve the program.

Is this a formal mentoring program?

No. MuddCompass is designed to help you connect quickly and easily with fellow alumni who can provide support as you navigate job searches, career transitions, etc. Browse the network and start reaching out whenever you are ready.

What happens when I sign up?

We will recommend connections based on your profile information. You can also browse our community of professionals by industry, major, location and more. Once you reach out to connect, you will be offered different options that make it easy for you to schedule and conduct a meeting. It will be up to you and the person you’ve contacted to set up and conduct your virtual or in-person meeting. Check out the Discussion tab to pose questions to community members and see how they respond. We also share resources (podcasts, articles, and videos) that you might find interesting during your career exploration.

How can I get the most out of this program?

Be proactive! Ask questions, reach out to new people, and check out our resources. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. Alumni are eager for you to connect with them, and they are here because they want to offer support.

What if I don’t know what to say?

Let your curiosity guide you! We have provided training sections under the Resources tabs within the system to help you with all parts of the reaching out and connecting process.

And don’t worry, we’ll also help you craft a professional message.

What do I do once I’ve connected with someone?

Let them know how you prefer to communicate, such as by phone, via email, in person, etc. Write down your initial questions or check out the Resources tabs for suggestions. Think about what you’d like to share about yourself.

I reached out to someone, and did not receive a response. What should I do?

Give them a few days and then try sending a follow-up message. If after 7 days you don’t hear from the individual, we’ll cancel the request, and you can request someone else. If you’re still having issues, feel free to reach out.

Is this a formal mentorship program?

No. MuddCompass is designed to help you connect quickly and easily with alumni who can provide support as you consider potential career opportunities and life after Mudd. Browse the network and start reaching out whenever you are ready. Alumni want to help and are excited to talk with you!

What happens when I sign up?

We will recommend connections based on your profile information. You can also browse our community of professionals by industry, major, location and more. Once you reach out to connect, you will be offered different options that make it easy for you to schedule and conduct a meeting. It will be up to you and the person you’ve contacted to set up and conduct your virtual or in-person meeting. Check out the Discussion tab to pose questions to community members and see how they respond. We also share resources (podcasts, articles, and videos) that you might find interesting during your career exploration.

How can I get the most out of this program?

Be proactive! Ask questions, reach out to new people, and check out our resources. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. Alumni are eager for you to connect with them, and they are here because they want to offer support.

What if I don’t know what to say?

Let your curiosity guide you! We have provided training sections under the Resources tabs within the system to help you with all parts of the reaching out and connecting process.

And don’t worry, we’ll also help you craft a professional message.

What do I do once I’ve made contact with an alum?

Let them know how you prefer to communicate, such as by phone, via email, in person, etc. Write down your initial questions or check out the Resources tabs for suggestions. Think about what you’d like to share about yourself.

Who can see my profile information?

Alumni cannot view your profile until you make a request. Once you make a  request, that individual will be able to view your profile in order to better determine if they are able to assist you.

I reached out to someone, and did not receive a response. What should I do?

Give them a few days and then try sending a follow-up message. If after 7 days you don’t hear from the individual, we’ll cancel the request, and you can request someone else. If you’re still having issues, feel free to reach out.

How do I report inappropriate conduct?

Click the red “Report User” button in your inbox in the message thread with the person in question.

I’m having technical issues with the site. What can I do?

Use our Help button in the top right hand corner to talk to one of our experts.