Spears Network
JOIN THE SPEARS NETWORK One platform - multiple ways to connect
The Spears Network is the official platform connecting Spears Business students and alumni. Message professionals directly, engage in community groups and opt into programs like Mentor Match — all in one place.
SPEARS NETWORKMake real connections Inside the Spears Network, you'll find programs designed to help you grow professionally and stay connected to the Cowboy community.
For students
Browse public alumni profiles, connect with professionals in your field, join a one-on-one Mentor Match, or drop into quick Community Conversations — on your schedule.
For alumni & career professionals
Pay it forward. Share your experience with the next generation of Cowboys. Set your own availability and engagement preferences — choose how you connect.
For faculty & staff
Build a direct bridge to alumni and career professionals. Strengthen industry ties for your students and stay connected to the broader Spears community.
Inside the Spears Network
Mentor Match Program
A structured, semester-long mentorship between one student and one professional, matched by major/industry, career goals and shared interests.
- Minimum of 3 meetings during the semester-long match either in person, or over the phone/video call
- Simple pathway training module for students and mentors to prepare them for the mentorship experience
- Matches are made by the Spears Network admin and the Eastin Center for Career Readiness
Community Conversations
The default way to connect on Spears Network. The moment your profile is approved, you can browse alumni and friends of the community and start a direct one-on-one conversation. It's that simple — no application, no waiting list, no extra steps.
- Students browse public alumni & friend profiles and message anyone directly
- Alumni and friends receive messages and connect one-on-one with students
- Reach out about careers, industries, advice — whatever's on your mind
- Connect on your own schedule, completely at your own pace
Discussion Groups
Open discussion boards inside the Spears Network where all members — students, alumni, faculty, and staff — can post, share ideas, and engage with the broader Spears Business community.
- Visible and open to all members
- Great for industry topics, career questions & announcements
- New groups and content being added regularly
FAQs
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How long does it take to set up a profile?
Profile setup takes roughly 5–15 minutes depending on how much detail you include. You can speed things up by signing in with your LinkedIn account — it imports your work and education history automatically, so you spend less time filling in the blanks.
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Can I just network within the community and not join the Mentor Match program?
Absolutely. Networking and joining Mentor Match are two separate parts of the platform. Once your profile is approved, you can browse and connect with others in the community and/or group discussions without ever joining Mentor Match.
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How can I change my profile?
You're in control. Personal information can be updated anytime after signing up by clicking on My Profile in the dropdown menu under your picture on the Spears Network homepage.
You can adjust your notifications, privacy, and availability in the My Preferences section, also under your profile picture. Here you can adjust platform emails and texts, change your profile from completely private to visible to all users, and adjust your availability from receiving unlimited direct messages down to just one per month.
To protect student privacy, their profiles are not visible to Career Professionals (alumni) unless the student initiates the contact first. Once they have messaged you, you can continue communicating moving forward.
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How are Mentor Match pairs made?
Pairings are based on academic area, field of study and shared goals. Both students and mentors complete a short set of registration questions, and the Eastin Center makes thoughtful matches from there.
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What does the Mentor Match commitment look like?
At minimum, mentors and mentees meet three times during the semester (via video, phone or in person). The hope is that connections formed grow well beyond those minimums.
Mentors are asked to go through a quick pathway training module to ensure that their profiles are fully filled out. The Module also explains to the mentor how our students prepare for the mentorship and what information they will provide to the before the first meeting.
Mentees are required to do a pathway training module that explains the purpose of mentorship and what is expected by making this commitment. They build or update their resume and complete a Goals, Strengths & Areas for Improvement form. Both will be shared with the mentor just after they are matched, before the first meeting.
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What should I talk about with my mentor?
There's no single right answer, but popular topics include: career path exploration, professional work environments, resume and cover letter feedback, industry insights, preparing for the job market and academic planning. Your mentor is there to share real-world experience — use it!
Your next connection is waiting
Join the Spears Network today — start messaging alumni through Cowboy Conversations, engage in Community Groups, and unlock Programs like Mentor Match. All in one platform, built for Cowboys.