For undergraduate students exploring careers in science and healthcare, knowing what path to pursue—and how to get there—can be daunting. At Logan University, a faculty-led mentoring program is helping students gain clarity, confidence, and direction through one-on-one guidance from experienced professionals.
Designed for students enrolled in Logan’s undergraduate degree programs, the mentoring initiative allows students to select a faculty mentor who aligns with their interests and career goals. Whether students are pursuing pre-chiropractic studies or following the broader biology track, the program creates a space for reflection, exploration, and strategic planning.
“Mentoring allows students to build a relationship with faculty,” said Sarah Luderer, PhD, associate professor in Logan’s undergraduate program. “My primary goal as a faculty mentor is to support students. That could be by discussing their current coursework, helping explore various career options, reviewing their resume or discussing fun things to do in Chesterfield, if they are moving to attend an in-person degree at Logan.”
Dr. Luderer has mentored several students, many of whom initially approach their career plans with uncertainty or default to a path suggested by others. Through open dialogue and thoughtful questioning, she challenges students to consider not just what they want to do, but why.
“I always ask students: if you picture yourself 20 years from now, will you feel fulfilled in this career? Are you passionate about it?” she said. “One student who was set on applying to pharmacy school ended up pursuing dental school instead after reflecting more deeply—and was thrilled with the change.”
These conversations go beyond surface-level guidance. Dr. Luderer encourages students to research career satisfaction, salary ranges, job availability in their preferred location, and the day-to-day reality of their chosen professions. “I want students to make informed decisions,” she said. “It’s not uncommon for students to spend years working toward a specific career goal without stopping to ask these questions.”
For students studying online, the program also offers a vital connection to campus and faculty. “It’s hard to build relationships through just emails and discussion boards,” Dr. Luderer noted. “This program helps students foster the kind of relationships that make strong letters of recommendation possible.”
The mentoring program is especially valuable for students aiming to enter competitive graduate (MS and Ph.D.) programs, as well as professional degree programs such as Physician Assistant (PA), Doctor of Chiropractic, Medicine, Osteopathy, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and Ophthalmology.
Ultimately, the program empowers students to take ownership of their futures while leaning on the experience and perspective of mentors who care deeply about their success.