NetWerx
The Werth Institute's NetWerx Program cultivates essential networking and other entrepreneurial skills through a student-driven mentorship model.
Students develop the skills they need to succeed in today's work environments, through networking, communication, accountability, and opportunity recognition, regardless of career path. NetWerx helps students recognize who they are, what they know, and who they need to know to develop their entrepreneurial skills and realize their potential. Skills include networking, self-confidence, communication, accountability, and opportunity recognition.
If you are an alumni interested in mentoring a student, please reach out to julie.gehring@uconn.edu
If you are a student interested in meeting with an alumni mentor, please reach out to ian.bender@uconn.edu
On Demand
Interested in connecting with a recent alum to gain confidence in networking or to get advice on solving a creative problem? A quick match, and you will be off, energized with fresh perspective. Stop by and meet with Ian Bender in the Wilbur Cross Building. Spring 2024 Drop-In hours are as follows:
- Mondays, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
- Wednesdays, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
- Fridays, 10:00am to 12:00pm
Not a Storrs-based student or need a different time? Reach out to Ian at ian.bender@uconn.edu and we can work together.
In the Classroom
Professors seamlessly integrate NetWerx by introducing students to virtual mentors right there in the midst of learning entrepreneurial concepts. It's not just theory anymore; it's real-world guidance at their fingertips.
Mentoring Circles
Through several courses, curriculum weaves real-world entrepreneurial threads and brings alumni directly to early-stage students, allowing students to witness entrepreneurial journeys firsthand and understand it's not just about the business, but a powerful mindset. Classes include UNIV 1820 Conversations with Entrepreneurial Alum and UNIV 1820 Using an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Start a Business or Find a Job.
Some of our alumni come to campus and offer alumni office hours. See the Event calendar for a list of upcoming visits coming to campus.
The NetWerx Mentality
We are committed to creating mentor and mentee relationships that result in meaningful connections and mutually rewarding collaborations. Discussion topics between mentor and mentee matches include, but are not limited to:
- Developing an entrepreneurial mindset
- Goal setting, problem solving and the development of a solution-oriented approach
- Interview preparedness
- Career strategizing & how to attract opportunities
- Networking strategies
- Personal branding
- Lifestyle habits that improve self-motivation, self-confidence and self-awareness
NETWERX Today
New NetWerx Initiative Brings Alumni Mentorship into the Classroom
'Making those first steps onto a career path less intimidating and more rewarding'. Read about this mentoring program on UConn Today!
A ‘Feel Good’ Mentoring Success Story, For National Mentoring Month
'I think networking is probably the most valuable skill anybody can really learn'. Read about this mentoring experience on UConn Today!
Get Involved!
Are you a Student?
Sign up today for the next cohort of NetWerx!
Students attend one onboarding session and are matched with a mentor by the Werth Team. During their first paring they meet virtually with their mentor for a minimum of two meetings lasting about 30 minutes. After their first initial match they are able to access the robust network of alumni mentors and connect with members of the community on their own.
Are you an Alumni?
Mentor UConn students! Share your recent insights and help guide early learners through lived experience.
NetWerx Mentor
On-Demand and In Class Mentor
Recent alumni are invited to connect with students via virtual & classroom sessions to hone essential 21st-century skills like networking, confidence, communication, accountability, and spotting opportunities.
Grad years: 2023-2008
Location: Virtual through our LegacyShift Platform
Time Commitment: 2-3 virtual meetings per mentee
Onboarding: Monthly
Conversations with Entrepreneurial Alum - Mentor
Alumni are able to share pathways to leadership with students by speaking in one of our UNIV 1820 Courses, joining students for a lunch and learn, or offering alumni office hours on campus.
Grad Years: 2008 and before
Location: Virtual led by Werth Staff or in person at Storrs
Time Commitment: Once a semester
Onboarding: Each semester
Please contact Julie Gehring, Director of Mentoring at Julie.gehring@uconn.edu
Partnerships
The Werth Institute was awarded a grant through CTNext to pilot and develop NetWerx that allows the team the capacity to cultivate relationship building opportunities and enhanced networking programs for UConn students.
