Mentor FAQ’s

Anyone can be a mentor! All you need is a passion for supporting students and their innovative ideas.
We are looking for professionals from a variety of fields with one thing in common: a passion for supporting students who have innovative ideas. In order to ensure we provide students with the best support possible and help them to think deeply about their ideas, we are aiming to build a pool of mentors who have professional experience and/or skills relevant to the needs of our student projects. These skill sets range from business planning, to technical expertise, to grant writing experience, to networking support – depending on what skills are most needed that year! Not sure if you should apply? Contact our Student Engagement Lead at hwelch2@une.edu who will be happy to answer any of your questions!

Here are sone examples of skills needed:

• Technical and Engineering support
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Scalability and design
  • Robotics and programming
  • Hardware
• Product and business planning
  • Rapid prototyping
  • Market research
  • Pitch development
  • Presentation skills
• Industry expertise
  • Health care
  • Marine Sciences
  • Biohealth
  • Education

There are many reasons to become a mentor! Here are just a few:
– Contribute to projects that have potential to make a lasting social impact.
– Preview and get (re)inspired by the next generation’s most creative ideas.
– Benefit from the opportunities to expand their professional networks and build university connections.
– Deepen your own knowledge by teaching young innovators about a certain skill or skills you are passionate about.
– Pay it forward for mentoring that you have received in your own career.

As little or as much as you want! When you get started with us, we will coordinate a time (between 1-4 hours) where you can consult with a student team, give a presentation or a workshop depending on our students’ needs. After that, it’s up to you! If you would like to continue helping our students and they can continue to benefit from your experience, we will arrange for you to get involved.

Step 1: Sign up! Fill out this form, letting us know your area(s) of skills & expertise, availability, and time you are willing to spend with students.

Step 2: We’ll be in touch! As students have needs for your expertise throughout the semester, we will reach out. In the meantime, stay up-to-date on the cool things we’re doing in the Makerspace through our newsletter and let us know if anything catches your eye!

Yes! Mentors are welcome to work with multiple teams, so long as they are willing to commit the necessary time to each team. If you are interested or willing to serve multiple teams, let us know in your application so we can make note.

Don’t be shy! Reach out. We are happy to answer any questions you have, or even set up a time to have you come in and tour the space. Just contact our Student Engagement Lead, Hannah Welch, at hwelch2@une.edu.