First-Year Mentors

Students cheer while holding welcome signs

First-Year Mentors, better known as FYMs, play a central role in welcoming new Blue Jays to Hopkins. Serving as friendly peer leaders and trusted resources, FYMs connect with incoming students before arrival and guide them through New Student Orientation, helping them navigate their transition to the Homewood community with confidence.

During New Student Orientation, FYMs lead a small group of new students through programs, discussions, and activities designed to build connection, foster belonging, and introduce them to the opportunities and expectations of life at Hopkins.

Selected through a highly competitive process and trained extensively for their role, FYMs represent the diversity, leadership, and spirit of the Hopkins community. They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and committed to ensuring every new student feels welcomed, supported, and ready to thrive from day one.

Want to become a First-Year Mentor?

Becoming a First-Year Mentor is an exciting opportunity to step into a student leadership role that makes a real impact on new students’ experiences at Hopkins. The FYM recruitment process is designed to be thoughtful and transparent, giving applicants a clear picture of what the role involves and what it takes to be successful.

The recruitment cycle opens in late February and begins with a written application, followed by two interview rounds, all part of a holistic evaluation process. Along the way, we look for students who are positive, dependable, reflective, and genuinely interested in supporting others through their transition to college. We value honest communication, commitment, and a willingness to learn and grow.

The multi-step recruitment process is designed to ensure that selected mentors are prepared to show up consistently and make a meaningful impact for our newest Blue Jays.

Please review more details about the recruitment process below. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. 

Written Application

The written application includes three primary components:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

  • Reference

Detailed prompts will be provided for both the resume and cover letter. These prompts will outline formatting expectations and specify the content applicants should address in each section. Applicants will be notified by email if they are invited to the first-round group interview.

Pro Tips for a Strong Written Application

  • Review the New FYM Job Description carefully and use it to guide your responses

  • Proofread your materials for clarity, grammar, and formatting

  • Ask a trusted peer, mentor, or advisor to review your application before submitting

  • Avoid using AI-generated content; responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and perspective

  • Use resources from Life Design Lab and the Writing Center for support

Group Interview

Group interviews take place in person and include small-group activities and discussions with up to 15 peers. Candidates are evaluated holistically on communication, collaboration, engagement, leadership potential, and alignment with the values of the FYM program.

Group interviews cannot be replicated, and the time slots offered are the only options available. It is therefore essential that you select a time that works well with your schedule. If you miss your assigned time slot, you may only switch to any remaining openings, if available. If no additional slots remain, a make-up group interview will not be possible.

Individual Interview

Individual interviews take place virtually, last about 20 minutes, and are facilitated by a current Lead FYM and/or Student Affairs staff member.

Candidates will respond to a series of questions and scenarios and are evaluated holistically on leadership potential, communication skills, inclusivity and cultural awareness, ability to navigate realistic student scenarios, knowledge of campus resources, and overall readiness to serve as a positive and reliable representative of the FYM program.

Decisions

Candidates selected to be on the FYM Roster receive notification via email in late April. The offer email will include a link to the Commitment Contract.