MentorHub Program

We recognize that not all Mentors are able to contribute time equally. Our Program is designed to allow Mentors to determine their own level of interest and commitment, providing for maximum flexibility that can change over time.

• Classroom Guest Speaker: Mentors act as Guest Lecturers or as Class Assistants, providing in-depth training or lessons on specific topics. These are ad-hoc opportunities.
• Competition Judge: Mentors serve as judges at student competitions throughout the year, providing competitors with valuable feedback.
• Event Speaker/Panelist: Mentors present to larger audiences at special events, such as festivals and competitions. There are limited number of these opportunities.
• Matched Mentor: A Mentor is specifically matched with one or more Mentees for a 6 month to one year commitment after an initial one-on-one meeting.
• Entrepreneur in Residence: A specialized, in-house, role with a longer-term commitment. These are typically paid positions that are funded by donors.

Our Mentors are alumni and friends of Drexel who volunteer their time and expertise to help our Drexel community and their ventures to grow and succeed.

We look for individuals with strong professional backgrounds and experience, backed by good interpersonal skills, who will adhere to the mission and the principles of our program. Our Mentors are founders, chairpersons, CEOs, chief technical officers, chief financial officers, directors and advisors of successful companies.

The characteristics we value the most in our Mentors are:

• Extensive experience relevant to startups.
• Enthusiasm for the Close School of Entrepreneurship program.
• Active listening skills.
• The ability to communicate meaningful advice.
• The time to participate.
• Respected by their colleagues and other industry professionals.
• A good model for young/early-stage entrepreneurs.
• No personal agenda.

Whatever your Mentorship Level, here are some key points to remember:

• A Mentor’s advice should always be un-biased with no strings attached.
• Mentors should keep Mentee’s at a healthy arm’s length to guard against any question of conflicts of interest.
• A Mentor should practice confidentiality and discretion.
• Mentors should always act in the Mentee’s best interests and adhere to Drexel University policies and guidelines.
• Balance: our real client and most important relationship is with the individual – we always put the needs of the individual ahead of the needs of the venture.
• A Mentor should be knowledgeable of Drexel resources, including entrepreneurship classes, on-campus workshops, competitions, and other programs designed to educate and support our student entrepreneurs.
• A Mentor should have knowledge of the Close School of Entrepreneurship curriculum to better understand what students are learning in the classroom and which classes students should be taking. Close School Faculty and Staff are always available to aid and answer questions regarding resources and curriculum.

Being added to our Mentor database in StartupTree is the first step in the process, as it allows us to more easily find you based on skills and interest.

1. Sign up on StartupTree
2. Complete a MentorHub Application

New Mentors are typically on-boarded once per quarter. Applications received at any time during a term are considered at the end of the term. Mentors will be notified as to the status of their applications at the start of each new term will be asked to then complete these next steps.

The Mentor Match relationship not only exposes a Mentees to valuable, professional insights, idea feedback, and industry perspectives, but it also accelerates learning, venture progress, and skill development.

Our Mentors are alumni and friends of Drexel who volunteer their time and expertise to help our Drexel community and their ventures grow and succeed. Our Mentors are founders, chairpersons, CEOs, chief technical officers, chief financial officers, directors and advisors of successful companies. We carefully screen our Mentors to ensure that each Mentor exhibits the characteristics that the Close School values most: extensive and relevant experience, enthusiasm, active listening skills, the ability to communicate meaningful advice and the time to participate.

When a Mentee is matched with a Mentor, both parties commit to a minimum six-month relationship, which can be extended by mutual request. This relationship consists of regularly scheduled meetings, the establishment and meeting of time-sensitive goals and the completion of surveys at the one-, six- and twelve-month marks. These surveys help us determine the efficacy of the Mentor/Mentor relationship. Ideally, we expect and hope that a Mentor/Mentee relationship will provide mutual benefit for both parties. If, however, a pairing is not a good fit, MentorHub administrators will assist the Mentee in finding a more productive Mentor/Mentee relationship.

Student and recent graduate Mentees have responsibilities as part of their participation in our MentorHub program. In preparation for every meeting, a Mentee should establish and share an agenda or other materials in advance of the meeting. A Mentee should be on time, clearly articulate their needs to the Mentor and listen and accept constructive criticism. As follow-up, a Mentee should send an email to the Mentor that details what was discussed at the meeting, next steps and any actionable goals that were established.

• Remain Flexible: We understand that our students are often managing classes, jobs, clubs and a social life, in addition to starting a venture. On the flip side, Mentors are also juggling careers, family and other commitments and competing priorities. Be understanding and flexible if meetings need to be rescheduled.
• Mentee Goals and Expectations: The start of the Mentor/Mentee relationship is the time to discuss and clearly define goals. At your first meeting, devise an agreement that includes a schedule of timely check-ins and clearly defined expectations.
• Be Responsive: If you become busy and are unable to keep a scheduled Mentorship meeting, be honest with your Mentor about your commitments and notify them in a timely manner.

In addition to regular Mentor Meetings, your Mentor might suggest other activities to help you reach your goals and aspirations. These may include more informal meetings over coffee or lunch, random check-ins or short calls if you have a question that just can’t wait, shadowing your Mentor at their workplace and attending professional networking events with your Mentor.

Being added to our database in StartupTree is the first step in the process, as it allows us to more easily match you based on skills and interest.

1. Sign up on StartupTree
2. Visit StartupTree: Mentors to view potential Mentors.
3. When you’ve found a potential Mentor, use the “Request Mentor” button. This will submit a request to our MentorHub Administrators, who will approve the request.
4. If the match is approved, you will be given access to the Mentor’s “Schedule of Availability.” You can then contact your Mentor to introduce yourself and schedule an introductory meeting.