Georgia Institute of Technology

Started in spring 2000, the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) industry mentoring program for undergraduate students has enjoyed tremendous success. Students voluntarily enter the program as mentees and, through the use of needs assessments and questionnaires, are matched with professionals in areas related to the students' academic goals and career interests. The result, a mentor/mentee team, becomes a powerful vehicle to educate and excite students about their future. In addition, it has proven to be equally beneficial for the professionals, reconnecting the Tech graduates to their alma mater and affording them the opportunity to share their expertise.

The program requires commitment to the mentor/mentee relationship from both mentors and mentees. Mentors and mentees sign contracts and agree to meet four times per year. Frequent planned meetings on the Tech campus facilitate interactions. The mentor also helps the student mentee identify a development goal to work toward during the nine-month relationship. In addition, mentors undergo an initial training session to explain the program's goals and answer questions. Students, too, meet frequently with Dr. Mary Lynn Realff to monitor their experiences and implement improvements.

Mentors and mentees have expressed satisfaction with their involvement and the program has served as a model for other schools on the Tech campus. The mentoring has helped undergraduates become aware of the opportunities their major affords and experience the care, concern, and attention that MSE devotes to the ultimate satisfaction and success of their students.

For additional information on the mentoring program, please contact: