Bison Network FAQ

What is the Bison Network?
It is a joint venture between Career Services and the OBU Alumni Association to prove OBU students and alumni educational and networking opportunities in the workplace.

What is the purpose of the Bison Network?
The university classroom provides and excellent base upon which to build, but sometimes the deciding factor is being exposed to what happens in the “real world.” Today’s working world is more complex than ever. The college graduate is faced with an array of possibilities in which to pursue a career. While an endless amount of possibilities seems like a great problem to have, it can be overwhelming to a recent graduate or an alum looking to switch careers. So, the purpose of the Bison Network is to give students and alum to view their chosen career field “up close and personal.”

Who can participate?
Any student or alum of OBU is encouraged to participate.

Who can be a mentor?
Any OBU alum or friend of the university.

How much time is involved?
For mentors, the time commitment is minimal. The mentor can choose the amount of assistance he/she is willing to provide, which may be as simple as a resume critique session, answering questions about a career field, or as elaborate as a work site visit or a day of shadowing. Again, it is the choice of the mentor.

For students, the time commitment is up to the student and how much research he/she is interested in doing to determine the right career.

How does it work?
OBU students and/or alumni interested in meeting with a mentor must first make an appointment to meet with Career Services to discuss the student’s career(s) or interest. The student will then be given three names and contact information of willing mentors in their field of choice. It will be up to the student to contact the mentor to set up the meeting, phone call, etc. Mentors are asked to meet with a student only one time. More meetings/interactions are allowed if the student and mentor agree upon future meetings.

As a mentor, will my information be kept confidential?
Yes! Only students who have met with Career Services personally will receive any mentor information. The mentor will decide what information can be released to students. If a mentor believes that his/her information is being released improperly, please notify Career Services immediately.

I would like to be a mentor. How do I sign up?
Please click here and fill in the requested information. You will be contacted by Career Services to verify your wish to participate in the Bison Network program and to allow us to find out any further information needed.

I am a student or alum and I would like to meet with a Bison Network mentor. What do I need to do next?
Contact Career Services at 405.878.2416 and make an appointment with the Career Counselor. The meeting will last approximately 15 minutes.