GiGS Mentees
GiGS is open to all students and is dedicated to assisting first-generation, historically underrepresented and other diverse students. Mentees are UC Berkeley sophomores, juniors, and seniors who work with graduate student mentors throughout the academic year to learn about graduate school, complete graduate application materials, and develop goals for post graduation plans.
Benefits
Create application materials
Receive assistance from mentors on writing personal statements, resumes/CVs, and other graduate school/internship application materials.
Form a plan
Create a timeline for post-graduate plans, and get help selecting a graduate program or create an alternative plan. GiGS staff will also provide students with a “Life After College” workshop.
Workshops and resources
GiGS will provide workshops throughout the year on: writing a personal statement, GRE preparation, funding opportunities and much more. Study aids, including test prep books and a workshop from Kaplan, will be provided.
Requirements
Be a UC Berkeley undergraduate
Must be in your second to fifth year and commit to the GiGS program for the full academic year (Fall and Spring)
Submit an application and contract
Mentees will submit an online application. Please note that not all mentees will be selected. Selection criteria will depend on mentee’s research interests and/or intended field. After selection, mentees will sign a contract stating they will fulfill the requirements.
APPLICATION
Application Deadline: August 6, 2021
Notifications: Week of August 23, 2021
Meet with your mentor
Required to meet with mentor for a minimum of three times per semester, and are also welcome to meet with GiGS staff.
Attend workshops and ceremonies
In addition to Friday afternoon course attendance, must attend Orientation, Kick-Off Event, and the End of Year Celebration.
- Mentee Orientation: Friday, August 27, 2021 from 1-3 p.m.
- Location: Barker Hall, Room 101
Kick Off: TBA
End of Year Celebration: date/time TBA
There is no GPA requirement or other academic requirements to join as a mentee.