Five years ago, about 50 students were matched with Tech alumni as part of a mentorship program. Last year, that number grew to over 1,200, and the Student Alumni Association (SAA) hopes more students and Tech alumni — especially those who are faculty and staff members — will take advantage of the opportunity to forge these relationships.

Mentor Jackets pairs students with Tech alumni for mentoring, networking and building relationships with others in the Tech community.

"I had no idea how valuable my relationship with my mentor would be,” said Sarah Pospisil, a second-year business administration student going into her second year with a mentor. “Through her, I have been able to target my career goals. My experience at Tech would not have been the same without Mentor Jackets."

Mentor Jackets pairs students and alumni based on academic majors, student involvement, areas of expertise, degrees earned, hometowns, and other skills and interests. Mentors may be located in Atlanta or anywhere else in the world. The program encourages them to communicate on a regular basis in whatever form works best for them, whether via email, phone, or in person.

Rich Steele, alumnus and senior director of Auxiliary Services, has been a mentor for five years and can’t imagine a better way to help students than by serving as a resource to help them achieve all that is possible in their college career and beyond.

“I have really enjoyed helping students tweak resumes, prepare for interviews, and take advantage of campus resources,” Steele added. “My experience working at Tech has enabled me to offer a perspective about campus life that mentees seem to truly value.”

Mentor Jackets also hosts more structured events throughout the year, such as speed networking and beginning and end-of-year celebrations. Participants can meet other mentors and mentees, enabling mentees to practice skills they’re honing and mentors to meet fellow alumni and find new ways to get involved. To participate, students must be members of SAA, which they can join for an annual $10 donation to Tech.

If you are a student, faculty, or staff member who is interested in becoming involved with the program, click here.