{"685635":{"#nid":"685635","#data":{"type":"news","title":"MentIE Program Kicks Off a New Year of Mentorship and Connection","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EThe H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE) at Georgia Tech hosted its annual MentIE Program Kickoff Event on September 23, bringing together students and alumni to celebrate a new year of mentorship, networking, and professional growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/case.isye.gatech.edu\/success-initiatives\/mentie-program\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMentIE Program\u003C\/a\u003E is one of the many initiatives led by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/case.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for Academics, Success, and Engagement\u003C\/a\u003E (CASE). It connects current ISyE students with alumni mentors who provide guidance on personal and professional development. Through these one-on-one relationships, students gain insight into industry pathways, develop career readiness skills, and learn how to translate their academic experiences into real-world career success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMentors are comprised of experienced ISyE alumni from diverse industries, offering valuable perspectives and advice to help students navigate internships, career decisions, and life after graduation. The program aims to prepare participants to be career-ready from day one while cultivating leadership, communication, and team-building skills that will serve them throughout their careers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStudent Voices: Learning, Growing, and Gaining Confidence\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFor many ISyE students, MentIE is a transformative experience that helps them clarify goals, gain confidence, and expand their networks.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGavin Horn (Second Year ISyE) shared how mentorship helped him explore new directions within industrial engineering:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cWhat I really liked about MentIE is being able to talk to someone who\u2019s well into the industry in their career. Even though I knew I wanted to do IE, I\u2019m still not quite sure exactly what direction I want to go into, because there are just so many directions. My last mentor was Jeffrey Elder and it was helpful to talk to him and understand what he\u2019s been doing within the industry. It\u2019s also giving me great networking opportunities, and an abundance of information and connections. When I came back [to Tech] this year, I knew I had to do the program again.\u201d\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIbunkunola Jaiyesimi (Third Year ISyE) reflected on the program\u2019s impact on her confidence and career growth:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cMentIE has helped me improve in a lot of areas, not only as a college student, but also in trying to prepare for my career. My mentor, Mr. John White, helped me explore consulting, but I also discovered my interest in product management. I\u2019ve gained so much confidence through this program in being able to speak, ask questions, and share what I\u2019m passionate about. Networking through MentIE helped me meet product managers, which affirmed my interests.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShirley Ren (Third Year ISyE), a first-generation college student, shared how MentIE has provided essential guidance and community:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cI first started MentIE my sophomore year because I wanted support from mentors who went through the Georgia Tech experience. As a first-gen student, I didn\u2019t have people in my family to guide me. Having that support and advice from mentors, like when to pursue a master\u2019s or what skills to focus on, has been so helpful. It\u2019s amazing to have this kind of program where you can connect with mentors as early as your first year. It\u2019s been rewarding, and I\u2019d love to be a mentor myself after I graduate.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELauren Marques (Second Year ISyE), a transfer student, said the program has already helped her find community and direction:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cI\u2019m most looking forward to working with my mentor and learning about their career path. I think it will help give me insight into where I could go with my own career and how to be more professional in the workplace. I\u2019m excited to learn from their experience and apply those lessons to my own journey.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlvaro Saldarriaga (First Year ISyE) added that the program offers invaluable professional exposure:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cWhat made me interested in joining MentIE is the amount of networking you can do with business experts in different fields and industries. They\u2019ve had the experiences that you\u0027re going through and can help you with your future goals. It\u2019s valuable to have these mentorships. This is my first year, and it\u2019s amazing to see all the opportunities the program has to offer.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlumni Mentors: Giving Back and Guiding the Next Generation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EISyE alumni play a key role in the success of the MentIE Program, sharing lessons learned, offering career insights, and helping students navigate transitions from the classroom to the workplace.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELouis Wooten (IE 2020), Manager at Simon Kucher, shared why he chose to get involved:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cThis is an avenue for me to give guidance to students as a relatively recent graduate\u2014guidance I wish I had sought when I was in college. Having a program structure like MentIE is beneficial because students are balancing so much already. This program helps them look beyond just what\u2019s next to what\u2019s two or three years down the road.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMary Ellen Skeens (IE 1999), Innovation Leader at Philips, joined MentIE to share her experience and encourage students to network: \u003Cem\u003E\u201cI was very excited to give back and learn from these students. MentIE is an absolutely phenomenal resource for students and for the Georgia Tech alumni network. Networking can be overwhelming, but everyone is willing to help. Students shouldn\u2019t hesitate to ask for introductions. That can be the differentiator in who gets the position.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKamisha Brown (IE 2023), Membership Engagement Officer at NextUp Atlanta, emphasized the value of commitment and engagement:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cI think it\u0027s important to give back, but I also wish I had had this when I was here at Georgia Tech. MentIE helps students understand what life after college looks like, how to navigate the workplace, and what skills to hone now. My biggest advice is to make the commitment, show up and engage. The students who do that get so much out of the experience.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMatthew Oatts (IE 2010) returned to MentIE to reconnect with students and help them think beyond job searching:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cI wanted to recalibrate where mentees are and how they show up in the world. Last year I had mentees with different perspectives and needs. It was rewarding to help them think beyond just getting a job, and more about positioning themselves for long-term success. It was so fulfilling that I decided to do it again this year.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding the Future, Together\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EAs the MentIE Program begins another year, its impact continues to grow, bridging generations of Yellow Jackets and cultivating a community rooted in mentorship, learning, and leadership. Through shared experiences and intentional connection, MentIE empowers ISyE students to enter the workforce confident, capable, and ready to make an impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn More\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInterested in becoming a MentIE mentor or mentee? Visit the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/case.isye.gatech.edu\/success-initiatives\/mentie-program\u0022\u003EMentIE Program page\u003C\/a\u003E to learn more about how you can get involved or contact the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/case.isye.gatech.edu\/contact-us\u0022\u003EISyE Student Engagement team\u003C\/a\u003E for upcoming opportunities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe ISyE MentIE Program connects Georgia Tech students with alumni mentors to foster meaningful relationships that support career development, professional confidence, and lifelong connections within the ISyE community.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"ISyE students and alumni gather to kick off a new academic year for the MentIE Program."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-10-09 16:59:09","changed_gmt":"2025-10-09 17:08:51","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678317":{"id":"678317","type":"image","title":"MentIE 2025 Fall Kickoff","body":null,"created":"1760028597","gmt_created":"2025-10-09 16:49:57","changed":"1760029847","gmt_changed":"2025-10-09 17:10:47","alt":"MentIE Kickoff - Fall 2025","file":{"fid":"262328","name":"IMG_9476.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_9476.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_9476.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":10584320,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_9476.jpg?itok=isHqR2dx"}},"678316":{"id":"678316","type":"image","title":"MentIE 2025 Fall Kickoff ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMentIE Kickoff Event, 2025\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760028542","gmt_created":"2025-10-09 16:49:02","changed":"1760029762","gmt_changed":"2025-10-09 17:09:22","alt":"MentIE Kickoff Event, 2025","file":{"fid":"262327","name":"IMG_2739.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_2739.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_2739.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5197685,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_2739.jpg?itok=U4X5x0rQ"}},"678315":{"id":"678315","type":"image","title":"MentIE 2025 Fall Kickoff","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMentIE Kickoff - Sept. 2025\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760028488","gmt_created":"2025-10-09 16:48:08","changed":"1760029830","gmt_changed":"2025-10-09 17:10:30","alt":"MentIE Kickoff - Sept. 2025","file":{"fid":"262326","name":"IMG_2652.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_2652.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_2652.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2854110,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_2652.jpg?itok=ZSNXQQsd"}},"678318":{"id":"678318","type":"image","title":"MentIE 2025 Fall Kickoff","body":null,"created":"1760029330","gmt_created":"2025-10-09 17:02:10","changed":"1760029867","gmt_changed":"2025-10-09 17:11:07","alt":"MentIE Kickoff, Fall 2025","file":{"fid":"262331","name":"IMG_9587.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_9587_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_9587_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":9995697,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/09\/IMG_9587_0.jpg?itok=Gtaia2vI"}}},"media_ids":["678317","678316","678315","678318"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EErin Whitlock Brown - Communications Manager II\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}