Every year, students and early career members reach a moment when they need more than information — they need someone who's been there. INFORMS is building an ongoing volunteer pool of Career Coaches, with extra energy around big moments like the Annual Meeting Career Fair.
What Career Coaching looks like: You'll connect virtually with participants for short, focused sessions on interview preparation, personal branding, career direction, job search strategy, employer conversations, and the leap from academic training to professional life.
What it takes: Sessions typically run for 30 minutes, though there's no strict time limit. Some coaches meet with a candidate just once; others connect a few times. Sign up for a single session, a recurring monthly slot, or extra availability during "peak prep" ahead of the Career Fair.
Is this you? Coaching tends to be the best fit for members who bring:
- 5+ years of professional experience in analytics, O.R./MS, or a related field
- Experience hiring, mentoring, or advising early-career professionals
- Strong communication skills and a genuine willingness to offer honest, encouraging feedback
Ready to jump in? Set up your volunteer profile by adding your areas of expertise and availability.
Register now as a Coach:
https://careercenter.informs.org/mentorship/1/register/mentor
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our students and early career members.