The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Engineering just wrapped up its first Professional Mentorship Program. This 14-week initiative aimed to connect students with experienced professionals, boosting their career readiness.
The pilot program matched 20 engineering students with 20 mentors. The participants included first-year undergraduates and graduate students, chosen from over 50 applicants. Mentors came from various sectors, such as renewable energy, aerospace, and advanced tech, representing companies like NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Hawaiian Electric.
One standout mentor was Wendy McLain, a senior civil engineer at SSFM International. She guided Ashton Quichocho, a civil and environmental engineering major. McLain praised Quichocho for her eagerness to learn and grow. “It’s gratifying to give back,” McLain mentioned. “We need more talent in our field, and it’s exciting to see new talent emerging.”
For Quichocho, this experience felt like a “full-circle moment” since she’ll soon join McLain at SSFM International. She shared, “This program helped clarify my goals and gave me both career and life advice.”
Throughout the semester, mentors and students met twice a month. Their discussions covered topics like academic planning and career paths. Many also enjoyed workplace visits and job shadowing, providing students a glimpse into real-world engineering settings.
The Engineering Student Ambassador (ESA) program played a key role in launching this mentorship initiative. Dayza Otsuka-Cabodol, an ESA who helped coordinate the program, expressed that they wanted to create something truly beneficial based on student feedback.
As the pilot was successful, organizers are eager to expand it in fall 2026. They aim to include more students and mentors, further enhancing ties between the college and industry. This program not only shapes careers but also fosters a strong professional community.
Statistics highlight the significance of such mentorship programs. According to a study by the Mentoring Partnership, 70% of mentees reported improved job performance, and 75% said they felt more confident in their skills. This shows that mentorship can play a crucial role in guiding students toward success.
As we look ahead, mentorship will continue to be essential in preparing the next generation of engineers for the rapidly evolving job market. The positive impact of these relationships on student motivation and career exploration cannot be overstated.
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