What is the BioSci Career Conversations Series?
The BioSci Career Conversations Series (formerly the Mentor Program) helps undergraduate students explore career opportunities and build meaningful professional connections.
Through a mix of panel discussions and networking events, students gain insight into diverse career paths within the biological sciences while meeting alumni and community professionals who are eager to share their advice and experiences.
The program no longer pairs mentors and mentees in formal one-on-one matches. Instead, volunteers and students connect in informal, organic conversations during and after events. This creates space for genuine connections, guidance and mentorship to develop naturally. Alumni and community volunteers are warmly encouraged to participate, and students are invited to attend events to learn, network and chart their path forward.
Connections to the Future
The BioSci Career Conversations Series provides an invaluable opportunity for our undergraduate students to enhance their understanding of various careers. In the process, these students will build a community of Dunlop School alumni and professionals that extends beyond the UC Irvine campus. Alumni and volunteers will serve as coaches, guides, motivators, advisors, mentors and role models. They will greatly enrich their own lives by making a difference in someone else’s.
Explore Different Careers
Share Your Knowledge
Expand Your Network
Inspire Minds
Volunteer as a Career Contributor
- Participate in panels, Q&A sessions, and informal networking events
- Share personal career insights and lessons learned from the field
- Help students understand the wide range of career options in the biological sciences
- Inspire future researchers, healthcare professionals, and innovators
- Attend when you can — there’s no formal matching or long-term commitment
Learn and Get Advice
Join as a Student Participant
- Attend engaging panel discussions with alumni and industry professionals
- Ask questions and learn directly from experts working in biotechnology, medicine, research, and more
- Explore real-world examples of how a biology degree translates into diverse careers
- Network with professionals in a relaxed, supportive environment
- Join when you’re available — no enrollment or ongoing commitment required
FAQ
Not at all. The BioSci Career Conversations Series is designed to be flexible — you can attend the events that fit your schedule and interests. There’s no enrollment or ongoing commitment required. Each session stands on its own, so you can join when you’re available and still gain valuable career insights and connections.
Yes and no. While the program is no longer called the Mentor Program and we no longer assign one-on-one mentor–mentee matches, the mission is the same: helping students explore career paths and build professional networks. You’ll still have opportunities for individual conversations with alumni and professionals during events.
The new name, BioSci Career Conversations Series, better reflects the program’s format: career-focused panels and networking events where students and professionals connect through meaningful conversations.
Students can attend events throughout the year to hear from alumni and professionals, ask questions and connect directly with them during informal networking sessions.
Alumni and community professionals are invited to join as panelists or to attend events as volunteers. Even if you’re not on a panel, your presence is valuable — you’ll still have the chance to share advice and insights one-on-one with students.
Both mentors and mentees are asked to contact biosci-mentor@uci.edu about concerns or questions relating to the status of their mentoring relationships.