Mentor Connect
Building the Future of the Foreign Service
Each year, the Pickering and Rangel Fellowships invite Foreign Service Officers to serve as mentors to our fellows—exceptional individuals preparing to enter the Foreign Service. This mentorship initiative is a powerful way to give back, share wisdom, and support the professional development of the next generation of U.S. diplomats.
Why Mentorship Matters
Mentorship is a cornerstone of a successful Foreign Service career. By connecting fellows with experienced FSOs and program alumni, we aim to build lasting professional relationships that:
- Provide insight into the transition from fellowship to full-time service.
- Help fellows navigate early career decisions and challenges
- Foster a deeper understanding of the Foreign Service and its career tracks
- Cultivate a sense of community and belonging within the Department.
Process
1. Register
Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login to the program with your email and password.
3. Sign-Up
Complete the sign-up form. Once submitted, the admin team will match you with a mentee or mentor, and you can begin your engagement.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator.
Types of Mentors
We offer two distinct mentorship pathways, both of which play a critical role in supporting fellows:
1. Alumni Mentors
- Pickering and Rangel Fellowship alumni who can share their own journeys through the fellowship experience, onboarding process, and early assignments.
- Alumni mentors help fellows understand the transition and build confidence in those critical first years.
2. Career Mentors
- Current FSOs who provide guidance aligned with specific functional cones and career tracks.
- Career mentors help fellows gain deeper insights into the structure, expectations, and opportunities within their intended career paths.
Become a Mentor
Mentorship goes beyond answering questions—it’s about shaping careers, fostering leadership, and paying it forward. Whether you’re an alum eager to support the next cohort or an FSO looking to give back, your involvement makes a difference.
Thank you for investing your time and experience in the future of diplomacy. Your mentorship helps fellows thrive and strengthens the Foreign Service as a whole.
Key Dates
Contact Us
Howard University1805 7th Street NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC
Phone: 202 806-4367
Email: rangelprogram@howard.edu
