Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I choose a mentor? First, complete your profile to inform others in the program about what you're looking for from MentorSHPE. Then browse through the list of mentors and send a mentoring request to someone with whom you would like to connect.
• How long will the mentors be available? We ask our mentors to make commitments of at least three months in order to ensure that the mentee is able to fully benefit from the relationship. If a mentor must leave the relationship early, we request as much notice as possible in order to locate a replacement mentor for you.
• What should I do if my mentoring relationship isn't going well?​ We encourage letting the mentor know about the situation and contacting a program administrator as soon as possible. We will provide our full support to resolve the situation in a positive and satisfactory manner.
• How are MentorSHPE connections created? Connections are initiated by the mentee or assigned by program administrators if you choose to participate in the cohort model. Our software platform considers multiple elements of the user profile in the matching algorithm. Most important in the match is the list of skills the mentee would like to explore and the list of experiences regarding those skills that a mentor can provide. The algorithm isn't set to match mentors and mentees based on their particular STEM field. Some of the most meaningful connections have happened based on skills and experiences, not because mentors and mentees are in the exact same career path. As mentees look through the list of available mentors, they can look for mentors in particular fields but the system results for their strongest match will be based on skills and experiences.

Mentee DO's

1. Take a proactive role in shaping the relationship.
2. Understand what you want from the MentorSHPE relationship and communicate your goals and aspirations to your mentor. Balance a personal and professional relationship with your mentor.
3. Set aside time for the mentoring process and keep all scheduled appointments with your mentor.
4. Put the time with your mentor to its best use. Come to your meetings with planned topics for discussion.
5. Respond in a timely manner to your mentor's feedback. Respond to emails from your mentor within two days of receipt.
6. Be open and honest with your mentor about your challenges and weaknesses.
7. If something concerning the mentor needs to be discussed with others, you should first ask your mentor's permission to share this information.  

Mentee DON'Ts

1. Ask for advice on everything. 
2. Blame the mentor if his or her advice doesn't work out.
3. Expect the mentor to know all the answers.
4. Commit yourself to obligations you cannot keep.
5. Cancel meetings/visits with your mentor at the last minute.