Q: What does a mentor do?

A: A mentor does the following (but is not limited to):

• Works with a student to identify and address that student’s strengths and weaknesses

• Encourages and advises a student in their search for an internship

• Provides a sounding board

• Shares insights and experiences on how businesses work

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Q: How many mentees would I have at one time?

A: The ratio from mentor to a mentee is 1:1

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Q: When would I start?

A: January 2024

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Q: Does it cost anything?

A: A mentor might incur some minor expenses such as coffees, snacks, parking and gas

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Q: Do I have to have a STEM degree?

A: We are flexible.  A mentor with rich experience in business has much to offer. Our goal is to expose our students to a wide variety of social scenarios to complement their technical education. In essence, we hope to graduate well rounded future leaders in the technology fields.

 

Q: Will my mentee’s major align with my profession?

A: Not necessarily, we will try to match based on personality and general interest 

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Q: Do I need to have a degree at all?

A: We do not expect mentors to advise students on college matters, so a robust background in business and adult life is important

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Q: What kind of demand on my time are we talking about?

A:

• A couple of hours a week with your student

• A meeting of 2 hours or so with other mentors every other month

• Three or four social events a year

 

Q: Do I have to meet with the mentee in person?

A: At least some meetings should be face-to-face, especially at the beginning. But since both you and your student have full lives, you can negotiate how you “meet” between the two of you. During Covid-19, we expect that all meetings will be virtual.

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Q: Do I have to be a massive success in my career to be an effective mentor?

A: No.  Besides, how would we judge that?

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Q: What are the qualities of a good mentor?

A:

• Good listener

• Non-judgmental

• Inspirational

• Creative

• Candid

• Analytical

• Demanding of quality

• Also. please see "Helpful Articles" at this FAQ page

 

Q: Is there a mentor program or something I can follow?

A: We have mentors handbook, and we continue working on ways to improve. We hope that your feedback will help our mentors group to deliver a consistent service and messaging to our students. 

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Q: What if I don’t get along with my mentee?

A: We will not make you or the student continue in an unpleasant or toxic situation. You may have to sit out the rest of the school year without a student to mentor, but there are other ways you can contribute

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Q: Am I too old/young to be a mentor?

A: The tools may have changed, but human nature not so much. If you have a couple of years of professional experience, you have something to offer

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Q: If I’m not ready to commit to being a mentor, are there other ways to be involved?

A: Yes! Contact us and we’ll work something out 

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