Ecological Engineering is the only engineering major at OSU that provides undergraduate students with an industry mentor for the duration of their degree.
The Mentor Collective program enhances the student experience by linking them one-on-one with an alum, industry, or peer mentor. Students are paired with someone invested in their success — a person ready to listen, inspire, help navigate challenges, and recognize opportunities. Students will learn what to expect in school, how to approach challenges and gain career advice. At the same time, mentors will build their networks and develop skills to become better professionals and leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students will be matched with an alum, industry or peer mentor based on common interests, background, academics, and/or professional aspirations. To get started, students and mentors register and complete an online survey to paint a holistic picture of their interests and experiences.
Mentors and mentees should expect to communicate 2-4 times a month through text, phone calls, video chat, or by meeting up in person. Conversations should be logged on app.mentorcollective.org.
Mentors are BEE department alumni and industry professionals who can help guide and provide advice to students throughout their academic journey at OSU.
- How will my major impact my professional options?
- How do I balance the demands of school, responsibilities, and socializing?
- How can I set myself up for academic, social, and career success?
- How do I make connections with peers and professional contacts?
Finding a Mentor
Incoming Ecological Engineering undergraduate students will be invited into this program before their first term. If your first term has started and you haven't been contacted yet, please reach out to Jen Cohen by email.
Become a mentor
Are you interested in supporting BEE's undergraduate students? Becoming a mentor is a rewarding experience that will help you connect and give back to OSU. As a mentor you will help undergraduate students achieve their goals by sharing your experiences and advice. This is a full academic-year commitment and you will be required to connect with your mentee throughout the year. Please reach out to Jen Cohen if you are interested in becoming a mentor.
Eligibility
Mentors need to either be Biological and Ecological Engineering department alumni or industry professionals associated with the BEE department. Don't hesitate to reach out to Jen Cohen if you have questions about your eligibility.
Mentor Testimonials
"I love being able to give back to the students of OSU."
"Today we discussed common interview questions and ways which she can set herself up to be more prepared for them. I also shared some internship roles with other companies that may be applicable for her major and long-term career goals. I believe this was insightful and helpful to my mentee's success."
"I helped my mentee by establishing some short-term goals for maximizing his experience in school and matching that to a leadership position."
"I encouraged her to remember that college is hard and she's doing a lot more than most people to put herself in a position to be successful."
Become a Mentee
Become a Mentor
Questions?
Want to learn more? Interested in finding a mentor or becoming a mentor? Reach out to Jen Cohen.
