CSE Mentor Program How to Guide for Students

Welcome to the CSE Mentor Program Guide! This resource provides essential program overview details, matching instructions and key dates to help you get started, alongside sample email templates and communication advice for navigating your mentoring relationship throughout the year.

If you need help at any point, please reach out to us at [email protected]!

Part 1: Program Essentials & Matching

• Program Overview & Expectations
• How Mentor Matching Works
• Key Dates & Timeline
• Next Steps After Matching

Part 2: Sample Communications & Situational Guides

• How to reach out to your mentor for the first time
• How to ask your mentor for help with setting a goal
• How to be prepared for a mentor meeting
• How to tell your mentor you're too busy this week/month
• How to tell your mentor you need to reschedule a meeting
• How to tell your mentor you don’t want to do something they’ve suggested
• How to ask your mentor to connect you to someone in their industry/company
• How to ask someone for an informational interview
• How to take feedback graciously
• How to write a thank you note

Part 1: Program Essentials & Matching

Program Overview & Expectations

The CSE Mentor Program connects College of Science and Engineering students with experienced STEM industry professionals and alumni. Whether you are looking for career advice, guidance on navigating university life or expanded networking opportunities, your mentor is here to help you succeed.

What Mentoring Is (and Isn't)

• Mentoring IS: Building a lasting professional STEM network, gaining advice on soft skills, stress and work-life balance, and improving communication and professional development.
• Mentoring IS NOT: A direct path or guarantee to a job or internship, free tutoring, academic instruction, therapy, or effortless—it requires initiative from the student!

Sample Activities to Do With Your Mentor

During your meetings, you and your mentor can collaborate on a variety of professional development activities, including:

• Reviewing and refining your resume or LinkedIn profile
• Conducting mock interviews and practicing elevator pitches
• Exploring career paths, industry trends and job search strategies
• Working on goal setting and time management skills
• Connecting with other professionals in their network or setting up informational interviews
• Touring their workplace or discussing workplace norms and culture

Program Expectations

• Time Commitment: October through April.
• Meeting Frequency: At least two connections or meetings per month (in person, video call, phone or email).
• Responsiveness: Respond to emails and messages from your mentor and program staff within two business days. (Tip: Set up an email filter in your UMN inbox to ensure you never miss an update!)
• Take Initiative: As a mentee, you drive the relationship! Come to every meeting prepared with an agenda and thoughtful questions.
• Communication & Support: If life happens, or if you run into any communication issues or need to leave the program, notify program staff immediately at [email protected]. We are here to help!

How Mentor Matching Works

1. Getting Started & Selection Timelines

• Receiving Your Link: When matching opens, program staff will email you a direct link to log into the mentor selection portal.
• Log In Early: Mentors are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. As soon as another student chooses a mentor, that mentor automatically disappears from the available list for everyone else. The earlier you log in, the more choices you will see!
• Matching Confirmation: Once the selection window closes, you will receive an email confirming your selection along with your mentor's contact information. Your mentor will receive a matching confirmation email at the same time so you can reach out and schedule your first meeting.

2. How the Algorithm Filters & Ranks Mentors

• Matching Criteria: The algorithm ranks mentors based on how closely their background matches the career fields, majors and goals you specified during registration.
• Hard Filters (Exclusions): If you indicated on your registration form that you were not interested in a retired mentor or a long-distance mentor, the system will completely hide those mentors from your list.

3. Walkthrough: What You Will See in the Portal

As you browse potential matches, you will be able to review specific details for each mentor:

• Profile Cards: At a glance, you will see each mentor's Location, Major, Company and Industry/Specialty (which the algorithm matches against the industry you stated you were "interested in a career in").
• Job Description: A summary of the mentor's day-to-day responsibilities, career trajectory and current role.
• "Assist Mentee With" Selections: A list of topics the mentor has explicitly opted to help with. These match the options you selected during registration. Tip: Pay close attention here—if your primary goal is finding an internship, make sure your preferred mentor has checked "open doors to internships or other professional opportunities."
• Additional Information: Extra background shared by the mentor, such as participation in specific student groups, whether they were an international student or higher education achievements.
• Diversity & Inclusion Information: Background or affinity details shared by the mentor to help you find common lived experiences.

4. Finalizing Your Selection

• BE SURE Before You Click: You can only click the "Select this mentor" button ONCE. Your selection is locked in immediately upon clicking.
• Accidental Selections: If you select someone by accident or click the wrong button, immediately email or call program staff so we can manually reset your portal.
• Need Help Choosing? If you are stuck deciding between multiple potential mentors, reach out to us! Program staff can help evaluate your options and guide your decision.

5. What If You Don't See a Direct Match?

• Transferable STEM Skills: Mentors are all experienced professionals whose core skills—leadership, communication, career navigation and professionalism—are highly transferable. Even if a mentor isn't in your exact niche, they often have vast networks within the broader STEM industry and can connect you with others.
• Highly Specific Goals & Opting Out: If you are looking for a mentor in a hyper-specific area (e.g., someone who completed a PhD in a very narrow field of study) and see no relevant options, you may decide not to participate this year. Please contact program staff before making a final decision—we may be able to help locate a suitable match for you!

Key Dates & Timeline

Next Steps After Matching

1. Introduction Email: Once matched, both you and your mentor will receive an email with each other's contact information.
2. Reach Out: Send an introductory email to your mentor to introduce yourself and schedule your first meeting. (See templates below in Part 2)
3. Kickoff: Watch the required Kickoff recording prior to your first meeting.
4. Complete the Partnership Agreement: During your first meeting, work together with your mentor to outline your communication preferences and define three SMART goals for the year, due by Nov. 6.

Part 2: Sample Communications & Guides

How to reach out to your mentor for the first time

Reaching out to a new person can be intimidating! Your first contact with your mentor does not need to be lengthy but should express excitement to meet and gratitude for their time. You can also note what made you choose this particular mentor — was it some specific experience they listed? A company they worked for? You should also briefly mention what your goals for the program are. Finally, you should let your mentor know if you are able to attend the Nov. 4 Meet Your Partner event, or suggest an alternate time for your first meeting.

Dear [Mentor Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I’m very excited to begin the mentor program! Thank you for volunteering your time for this program. I was especially interested in your [work, specific experience, company — why you chose this mentor]. My goals for the program include [searching for an internship, developing skills A and B, learning about careers available to my major, etc.].

I am able to attend the Meet Your Partner event on Nov. 4 if you’d like to complete the Mentoring Partnership Agreement then. If you’re not able to attend that event, we could meet [list days and times] instead.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

If you’re suggesting an alternate date for your first meeting:

Dear [Mentor Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I’m very excited to begin the mentor program! Thank you for volunteering your time for this program. I was especially interested in your [work, specific experience, company — why you chose this mentor]. My goals for the program include [searching for an internship, developing skills A and B, learning about careers available to my major, etc.].

I am not able to attend the Meet Your Partner event on Nov. 4, so I’d like to schedule an alternative time for our first meeting to complete the Mentoring Partnership Agreement. I am available [list days and times].

Thank you,

[Your Name]

How to ask your mentor for help with setting a goal

Setting goals for the year can be daunting. It can be hard to figure out where to start. If you’re having trouble coming up with SMART goals, or breaking large goals down into smaller action steps, talk to your mentor!

Ask how they might tackle a goal, or brainstorm types of goals you could focus on. What types of goals did they have in school or in their first years in the workplace? What types of goals do they wish they had focused on? What types of goals do they have now? All of these questions are a great way to narrow down your focus.

You don’t have to take their suggestions, but remember to thank them for their advice!

How to be prepared for a mentor meeting

Being prepared for your meetings with your mentor is one of the most important ways to show your gratitude for their time and commitment to the program. Before each meeting, make a list of what you want to discuss, things to follow up on from your last meeting or any action items you have.

Email or text your mentor, depending on their preference, a reminder about the meeting and list the items you’d like to cover, or the activity you decided on earlier. Doing so allows your mentor to also be prepared for the meeting. If there’s a task you’d like them to complete before the meeting, such as reviewing your resume, proofreading a paper, etc., give them plenty of notice.

At your meeting, bring your notes, any documents you want to look at and some way to capture notes and action items (notebook, laptop, etc.).

Dear [Mentor Name],

I’m looking forward to our meeting on [date and time] at [location]! I’d like us to focus on [topic, activity, etc.] during this meeting, if possible. I’d really like to get your feedback on [topic] and how you’ve experienced it [in the workplace, at school, etc.].

[Add anything you’d like them to do in preparation, or anything you’re doing in preparation. For example:]

Before we meet, would you have time to read my attached resume? I’d like to focus on how to show my experience in certain areas. I will come with some examples of experiences that we can discuss in addition.

Thank you!
[Your Name]

How to tell your mentor you're too busy this week/month

If you’re coming up on a particularly busy time period, it’s best to let your mentor know in advance if you’re going to have trouble keeping in touch. Letting your mentor know doesn’t need to be hard. You can mention it in a planned meeting, or email or call your mentor. Then make sure to follow up once you’re able to be in touch again!

Dear [Mentor Name],

I wanted to let you know that I will not be able to [meet/check my email/be in touch] during the [next week/month/specific time period] due to [finals/trip out of town/large project for class]. I will be sure to let you know when I’m free again.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

How to tell your mentor you need to reschedule a meeting

Life happens! Sometimes you might need to reschedule a meeting with your mentor because something comes up – a due date, a meeting with your advisor, work, etc. The most important thing is to let your mentor know as soon as possible if you won’t be able to make a scheduled meeting or call and to suggest potential new dates for your meeting.

Dear [Mentor Name],

I will need to reschedule our upcoming [meeting/call] on [date] due to [conflict]. Can we move our meeting to [new date] or [new date]? I’m available at the following times: [list dates and times].

Thank you,
[Your Name]

How to tell your mentor you don’t want to do something they’ve suggested

Your mentor may have a lot of suggestions for activities, discussion topics, goals or action steps. That’s great! Your mentor will have a lot of experience to draw from and may have thought of things you haven’t considered. We encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and into the growth zone, but, some of their suggestions may not interest you.

If that’s the case, and you need to tell your mentor you don’t want to pursue an idea they’ve had, make sure to be respectful and honest. Let your mentor know why you’re not interested in their idea and what you’d like to do instead. And, as always, thank them for their suggestion.

If possible, try to have this conversation face-to-face (or on the phone). If you need to, you can ask for some time to consider their suggestions and then contact them a few days later to let them know what you think.

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions about [goals for the year, activities we can do together, discussion topics to tackle, next steps I can take]. I really appreciate your thoughtful advice. However, I don’t think [specific activity/ies] is something I’d like to pursue at this point. [List the reason why you don’t want to pursue it, for instance, if it conflicts with another goal you have, if it doesn’t align with your schedule, if it is outside your comfort zone at this time, etc.]. Instead, I was hoping we could [provide an alternative – either a different suggestion from your mentor, or one of your goals/activities/topics. This is a good time to make sure you and your mentor are on the same page about what you hope to achieve this year]. How does this sound?

If you’re interested in pursuing their suggestion later, let your mentor know!

How to ask your mentor to connect you to someone in their industry/company

Your mentor can be a great contact to further your professional network. If you’re interested in meeting other professionals in your field you can ask your mentor if they have any colleagues, friends or former mentees they can put you in touch with. While you can ask your mentor for contacts anytime, it might be particularly helpful when you feel you’ve exhausted your mentor’s knowledge base or expertise in a given area.

Remember, however, that mentors are doing you a favor. Make sure you’re respectful in asking, and, if a mentor cannot provide you with a specific contact, don’t push the issue. If possible, ask your mentor when meeting face-to-face (or on the phone) about connecting with colleagues. Sample language is below.

I was hoping you might be able to connect me to a colleague [at company, in industry, or in a specific job] that I could talk to about [explain reason for meeting, such as an informational interview to learn more about their job, their education path, etc.]. Do you know anyone who might be willing to [meet with me, share more about their experience, let me shadow them for a day, etc.]?

Remember to thank your mentor for their help!

How to ask someone for an informational interview

Informational interviews are an excellent way to learn more about potential jobs and careers. Though informational interviews are not about getting a job, they are about exploring companies, industries and career paths. The most important thing to remember about informational interviews is that you need to go into them with clear, specific questions that can only be answered by someone working in the field so that you don’t end up wasting the time of your connection. If able, provide a list of 3-5 questions in advance so that the contact can make sure they are the best person to help.

Questions such as:

• What type of education path succeeds in this industry, job or company?
• What is the most important thing a sophomore, junior or senior interested in this industry, job or company can do while they’re still in college?
• What do you wish you had known about the field before starting in it? Do you think there are common misconceptions people have about this work?
• Is there anything you see job candidates around my level doing that you think really hurts them? Or that you’d wish people would do differently?
• Can I tell you a little about my background and experience so far, and see if you have any suggestions for things I can do to strengthen myself as a candidate?

Dear [Name],

My name is [Name] and I am a [sophomore, junior, senior] at the University of Minnesota working toward my [degree program] degree. I was given your name by [connection] as someone who might be able to answer a few questions about [specific job, company]. Would you be willing to meet for coffee and share your insight into [specific job, company]? I am very interested in [the type of work you do, this company, this specific industry] and would like to learn more about what it takes to succeed in this [job, industry, company].

If you’re available, I can provide a list of questions I have in advance. I’m available [dates and times]. I’d love to connect if you’re able.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Remember to thank the contact, whether they’re able to meet with you or not! And follow up an informational interview with a thank you email – this is a great way to continue to expand your professional network.

How to take feedback graciously

Critical feedback, no matter how much we ask for it, can be very difficult to receive. Even when delivered thoughtfully and candidly, it can be hard to hear how we may improve or that others’ perceptions of our behavior do not match our own. However, constructive feedback can be an effective tool for personal and professional growth. So before dismissing feedback as invalid or becoming overly defensive, take a step back and consider what is being said. Good feedback is not about your worth as a person, but about your behavior.

How to write a thank you note

Writing professional thank you notes is a skill that will serve you greatly in your professional life. Thanking a colleague, a client, an interviewer or a mentor can help build and maintain your network.

You should definitely thank your mentor at the end of the program, but may also want to thank them during the program if they connect you with a colleague, set up a tour of their company or help with a project. The best thank you notes are personal and sincere.

Think carefully about what your mentor has done over the year and how you see yourself using their advice in the future to help craft your thank you note.

Thank them for participating in the program:

Dear [Mentor Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to be my mentor this year. I have sincerely enjoyed the time that I have spent with you this year and am so grateful for your generosity.

I really appreciate your advice and guidance on [specific topics, goals, issues you had, etc.]. I have learned a great deal from you, and the value of your mentorship has proved immeasurable. I’m excited about beginning [next step for your goals, specific action item your mentor suggested, etc.].

Once again, thank you for your commitment to my future success. I look forward to the day I can do the same for someone else.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Thank them for introducing you to a contact or setting up an informational interview or job shadow:

Dear [Mentor Name],

Thank you for your help [introducing me to Name, setting up an informational interview with Name, setting up a job shadowing experience with Name]! I am so appreciative of your willingness to support my future success.

[Detail something you learned from the experience and an action step you’ll take as a result. For instance, did you learn something about the industry, company or job that you’re excited about? That was surprising? Will you continue to meet with the contact? Did you receive advice you’ll take on how to tailor your resume, how to conduct your job search, or another matter? Detail what you’ll do next.]

Thank you again for your support!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]