ABSTRACT
This chapter spotlights four contrasting professional mentoring programs that provide opportunities to develop professional networks and connections. It highlights additional strategies including the design of capstone courses and cooperative workplace partnerships. The chapter addresses ways to improve departmental climate during the transition to the workplace or graduate studies, focusing on how your department in partnership with employers sends messages to students about what entering the profession will be like. As students consider the transition to the workplace or graduate studies, capacity, interest, and belongingness continue to be crucial factors, primarily in the persistence of students in STEM. One promising approach to facilitate the transition to the workplace or graduate studies is to offer a professional mentoring program that includes interaction with mentors from various industries. Students experiences during the transition into the workplace or graduate studies are influenced by the learning environment, in particular in capstone courses, as well as through their work experiences.
