Research Information System
YUKSEKOGRETIM DERGISI, vol.15, no.2, pp.233-245, 2025 (ESCI)
Mentoring, defined as a relationship established between experienced and less experienced individuals to support personal and professional development, is implemented by companies as part of orientation and socialization programs and by universities to facilitate students' adaptation to professional life. In maritime higher education institutions, which train personnel for the uniquely structured maritime industry, alumni mentoring programs hold undeniable significance. Within this scope, an alumni mentoring program was developed for students in the Department of Maritime Business Administration and the Department of Logistics Management at Dokuz Eylul University, Maritime Faculty. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the alumni mentoring process on both students (mentees) and graduates (mentors). Using survey tools adapted from Dollinger et al. (2019) with permission, data were collected through a mixed-methods approach, including web-based questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The program initially included 80 participants; however, the study was completed with data from 62 participants (28 mentors and 34 mentees) who met the minimum participation requirements by engaging in at least two meetings per month and submitting feedback via the Mentornity platform. Data were analyzed using Excel and MAXQDA software. The findings indicate that the program positively influenced mentees' perceptions of the university experience and enhanced mentors' sense of institutional affiliation. Overall, the program contributed positively to institutional belonging for both mentors and mentees and encouraged future participation.