The Mentor Match relationship not only exposes a Mentees to valuable, professional insights, idea feedback, and industry perspectives, but it also accelerates learning, venture progress, and skill development.

WHO ARE OUR MENTORS? 

Our Mentors are alumni and friends of Drexel who volunteer their time and expertise to help our Drexel community, and their ventures, grow and succeed. Our Mentors are founders, chairpersons, CEOs, chief technical officers, chief financial officers, directors, and advisors of successful companies. We carefully screen our Mentors to ensure that each Mentor exhibits the characteristics that the Close School values most: extensive and relevant experience, enthusiasm, active listening skills, the ability to communicate meaningful advice, and the time to participate. (“Learn more about our current mentors” button)

MENTEE EXPECTATIONS

When a Mentee is matched with a Mentor, both parties commit to a minimum six-month relationship, which can be extended by mutual request. This relationship consists of regularly scheduled meetings, the establishment and meeting of time-sensitive goals, and the completion of surveys at the one-, six- and twelve-month marks. These surveys help us determine the efficacy of the Mentor/Mentor relationship. Ideally, we expect and hope that a Mentor/Mentee relationship will provide mutual benefit for both parties. If, however, a pairing is not a good fit, MentorHub administrators will assist the Mentee in finding a more productive Mentor/Mentee relationship.

Student and recent graduate Mentees have responsibilities as part of their participation in our MentorHub program. In preparation for every meeting, a Mentee should establish and share an agenda or other materials in advance of the meeting. A Mentee should be on time, clearly articulate their needs to the Mentor, and listen and accept constructive criticism.  As follow-up, a Mentee should send an email to the Mentor that details what was discussed at the meeting, next steps, and any actionable goals that were established.

THREE TIPS TO ENSURE MENTEE SUCCESS

REMAIN FLEXIBLE

We understand that our students are often managing classes, jobs, clubs, and a social life, in addition to starting a venture. On the flip side, Mentors are also juggling careers, family, and other commitments and competing priorities. Be understanding and flexible if meetings need to be rescheduled.

MENTEE GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS     

The start of the Mentor/Mentee relationship is the time to discuss and clearly define goals. At your first meeting, devise an agreement that includes a schedule of timely check-ins and clearly defined expectations.

BE RESPONSIVE 

If you become busy and are unable to keep a scheduled Mentorship meeting, be honest with your Mentor about your commitments and notify them in a timely manner. 

POSSIBLE MENTOR/MENTEE ACTIVITIES

In addition to regular Mentor Meetings, your Mentor might suggest other activities to help you reach your goals and aspirations. These may include more informal meetings over coffee or lunch, random check-ins or short calls if you have a question that just can’t wait, shadowing your Mentor at their workplace, and attending professional networking events with your Mentor.

HOW TO BECOME A MENTEE IN THE MENTORHUB PROGRAM

• Becoming a member of our Startup Tree community. You can become a member at https://baiada.startuptree.co.
• Visit https://baiada.startuptree.co/page/mentor-match-program to view Potential Mentors. To learn more about a Potential Mentor, click “ABOUT” and then, if you wish, click “Request Mentor”. This request will be sent to the MentorHub Administrators who will approve the request.
• If the match is approved, you will be given access to the Mentor’s Schedule of Availability; you can then contact the Mentor to introduce yourself and schedule an initial meeting.