2024 AESA Mentorship Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is AESA Mentorship Program and what is it trying to do? 

AESA Mentorship Program is a global mentoring program to help develop skills for undergraduate students, graduate students, and young professionals entering the workforce in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). It provides a mechanism for connecting mentees who are looking to improve their skills in a given field of study/career with mentors having more skills and experience in that particular field. 

2. What are the expectations of mentees?

• • Strong internet connection as some meetings will be virtual via videoconference platforms 
  • Six (6) month commitment 
  • Attend bi-weekly 1:1 meetings with mentor (twice a month/once every two (2) weeks; should have a total of 12 1:1 meetings with mentor)
  • Proactively connect with mentor 
  • Take initiative to schedule meetings and send calendar invites 
  • 24-48 hours prior to every 1:1 meeting with mentor, send meeting agenda and prepare questions 
  • Required to attend all workshops 
  • Mixers and networking events are optional, but highly recommended
  • Attend monthly check-in with program coordinator

3. What are the expectations of mentors? 

• • Strong internet connection as some meetings will be virtual via videoconference platforms 
  • Six (6) month commitment 
  • Attend bi-weekly 1:1 meetings with mentor (twice a month/once every two (2) weeks; should have a total of 12 1:1 meetings with mentee)
  • Attend networking events and mixers, optional but highly recommended
  • Assist mentees with navigating education goals and career path through skill sets, personal experience, and professional recommendations
  • Focus on strengths of mentee and explore opportunities to strengthen weaknesses 
  • Provide resources for continuing education and career exploration
  • Provide professional development opportunities
  • Guide mentee in professional skills 
  • Lead by example – your behavior and words can be influential and have a lasting impact on an impressionable mentee
  • Attend monthly check-in with program coordinators

4. How long does the mentorship last? 

AESA Mentorship Program will last six (6) months. 

5. How are mentors and mentees matched? 

Mentees will have access to all mentors’ brief bios on AESA Mentorship Program website. AESA Mentorship Program will host a virtual event with all mentees and mentors. At the event, mentees will have the opportunity to meet all mentors and ask rapid fire questions. Based on the information gathered, mentees will decide and notify program coordinators of their top three mentors. Program coordinators will notify participants of mentee and mentor matches within a week.

6. How are mentors chosen?

The AESA Board approaches potential mentors who they have determined would be a good fit for the mentorship program. In addition, eligible members of AESA are encouraged to apply as mentors. Mentors are selected based on various factors including relevant skill sets, years of experience in a given field of study/career, and an established ability and interest in sharing skills with less experienced individuals.

7. What are the benefits of being a mentee?

• • Fostering personal and professional development
  • Assistance with identifying academic and professional goals
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Increase self-awareness 
  • Reinforce sense of belonging 
  • Access to individuals who have common education paths and demonstrated the efficacy of their career plans 
  • Networking, increasing social capital, & building a community 
  • Gaining insight into career culture and resources

8. What are the benefits of being a mentor?

• • Networking 
  • Developing leadership, communication, and mentorship skills
  • Opportunity for reflection on personal and professional development
  • Gaining new perspective on current generation’s experience and culture

9. How many mentees will be assigned to a mentor? 

Mentors will be matched with a maximum of two (2) mentees. 

10. What is some additional information I need to know?

• • Maintain confidentiality as it is the foundation of building trust and helps in speaking freely 
  • Commit to, strive, and collaborate to achieve goals 
  • Share viewpoints honestly and respectfully
  • Be accountable: show up on time to meetings on time and communicate clearly about commitments, especially if you have to reschedule – both mentee’s and mentor’s time is valuable
  • Practice active listening

11. Who do we contact with any questions, concerns, or comments? 

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to reach out to our team at mentorship@aesa.org