The GRADLINK Mentorship Program
Exploring Graduate Pathways Through Mentorship
Overview
Facilitated in collaboration with the DELTA Program in the Graduate School, the Graduate Readiness, Access, and Discovery Mentorship Program (GRADLINK) connects CAE undergraduate students with graduate student and postdoctoral mentors at UW-Madison. Through one-on-one mentorship, students explore graduate school, research, funding, applications, and future pathways with someone who has direct experience navigating graduate education.
Students apply to GRADLINK for each fall and spring semester. When matched, students meet with their mentor throughout the term to discuss their interests, goals, and questions. Conversations may include topics such as preparing for graduate or professional school, finding research opportunities, understanding funding options, developing application materials, and thinking through long-term plans.
GRADLINK is designed for CAE students who want to better understand graduate school before taking their next steps. Through mentorship, students can clarify their goals, strengthen their preparation, and build a relationship with someone who can offer guidance, perspective, and encouragement.
Apply to GRADLINK
Interested students can apply by completing the GRADLINK Student Interest Form.
Applications for Fall 2026 are now open: https://forms.gle/hrKTvnrY7tp5PaVN6.
Application deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
What Mentoring Can Look Like
Each GRADLINK mentoring relationship is shaped by the student’s goals. Some students come in with specific questions about graduate school, while others use the experience to compare options, learn from a mentor’s path, or build confidence in their own next steps.
Mentoring conversations and activities may include:
- Talking through different types of graduate and professional programs
- Learning how to search for programs that fit your interests and goals
- Discussing funding options, assistantships, fellowships, and program costs
- Preparing applications materials, such as resumes, CVs, and personal statements
- Thinking through letters of recommendation and how to develop rapport with faculty
- Exploring research opportunities, labs, conferences, or service-learning experiences
- Facilitating networking opportunities
- Learning about the hidden curriculum of graduate school culture, expectations, and day-to-day experiences
- Reflecting on long-term academic and career goals
How GRADLINK Works
GRADLINK Applications open in the summer for fall semester matches and in the fall for spring semester matches. Undergraduate students complete an interest form where they share their academic interests, goals, and what they hope to gain from the mentoring experience. Graduate students and postdocs also apply to serve as mentors, sharing their academic background and mentoring interests.
After applications are reviewed, students are matched with graduate students or postdoctoral mentors based on shared interests, academic pathways, and areas of exploration. Once matched, students and mentors connect during the semester to complete a mentoring compact and discuss what they want to focus on together.
Student Experiences
Students bring different goals and questions to GRADLINK, and each mentoring relationship develops in its own way. An article from the Graduate School linked here highlights a specific pair in greater depth. The reflections below offer a closer look at how students experienced the program and what they found most meaningful about working with a mentor.
“My mentor spent a lot of time working on things that I felt uncertain about and did a lot of work to bring me answers. For example, I knew nothing about post-undergrad life and now I know of my options and I think that showed me they were dedicated to helping me.”
“The moments that stood out most were when I could be honest about feeling overwhelmed or unsure, and they gave me advice that felt doable instead of stressful. I appreciated how consistent and encouraging they were.”
“GRADLINK opened doors that I didn’t know were possible to walk through.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can apply?
GRADLINK is open to all CAE students beyond their first year interested in exploring graduate school. There are no additional requirements to apply.
How often do students meet with their mentor?
Meeting schedules vary by pair. After being matched, students and mentors decide what works best for them, with many pairs meeting for about one hour per week throughout the semester.
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are UW–Madison graduate students and postdocs enrolled in Research Mentor Training through the Delta Program. Mentors represent a wide range of academic disciplines and professional interests.
How many students participate in GRADLINK?
The number of students who can participate in the program depends on the number of mentor applications received. We will make every effort to match all student applicants with an appropriate mentor. In its inaugural year, the program successfully matched and supported 30 student participants.
Do I need to know that I want to go to graduate school?
No. Some students apply with a clear graduate school goal, while others apply because they are still exploring and want to learn more before making a decision.
Will I be matched with someone in my exact field?
Not always. GRADLINK matches students and mentors based on shared interests and areas of exploration to the best of our ability. While exact field matches are not always possible, mentors can still offer helpful guidance on graduate school preparation.
What if I am not sure what to talk about?
That is normal. At the beginning of the experience, students and mentors complete a mentoring compact to identify goals and possible conversation topics. GRADLINK staff also provide mentors with guidance and suggested prompts to help support meaningful conversations throughout the semester.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
For further questions about GRADLINK, you can contact Madelyn Sturman (mrsturman@wisc.edu) and Hernan Rodriguez (hrodriguez4@wisc.edu).