Both the mentors and students have to be committed to the program, and thus willing to share their time and personal experiences with a relative stranger. It is important that they are volunteering to do this rather than being assigned these duties. We send them an information packet on two or three students and let them select the student that is right for them. To find Mentors expand your applicant pool.
Most managers are very busy, making it hard to find ones who are able to give their time.
We invited alumni, speakers, donators, recruiters, and previous mentors - anyone who has shown an interest in our students or the College. We try to match the student and mentor on career interests. We ask potential mentors to align their career with one of the majors offered at the college. A common interest provides the relationship a starting point, and it also provides our students a personal resource when making career related decisions. Due to mentor availability we are not always able to match students this way.