Six Tips for Acing Your Mentor Application

Here are some handy tips to help make the application process as quick and easy as possible.

1. Register a username, or log in if you already have one.

If you’ve never signed up on the WisdomShare platform before, you’ll be asked to create a username and password. Once you click “Register,” you’ll be brought to the next screen, where you’ll be asked to select your mentoring role. Make sure you pick “Mentor;” this way, you’ll see the questions that pertain to you as an adult. (There is a separate set of questions students will be asked when they select “mentee.”)

2. Give us a short bio.

Once you’ve answered some basic questions, you’ll be asked to give us your bio in 150-500 words. Focus on your STEM career or studies, or if you’re not a STEM professional, tell us where you get your passion for STEM. Also mention any work you’ve done with students, whether mentoring, teaching, coaching, etc.

3. Explain why you want to mentor.

Why do you love working with students? Why is it important to encourage young people to learn more about careers in STEM? Again, you’ll have 150-500 words.

4. Fill out a series of short answer questions.

Briefly share your experiences teaching and/or learning in a virtual space. If you don’t have any, don’t worry. That’s not a dealbreaker! Simply state that while you don’t have formal experience, you’re still qualified to mentor a STEM-passionate student, and then tell us why.

5. Discuss the qualities of a great mentor.

Which personality traits do you possess, that you believe are best for a mentorship like this?

6. Answer some lightening-round questions to help us match you with your mentee.

What are your other passions, hobbies and interests that make you a unique and interesting person?

The Academy is looking forward to the possibility of welcoming you into the mentoring community. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact STEMUMentoring@nyas.org.