Find a Mentor at Tech During National Mentoring Month 

When Kyle Richardson began his career at Tech 14 years ago, it was hard to find someone to show him the ropes.  

There were programs intended to connect colleagues with similar interests, but they seemed a little too niche, said Richardson, an IT support professional. However, in 2018, the MentorTech program came to campus, and he dove in headfirst. 

Since getting involved with MentorTech, Richardson said he feels a deeper sense of connection to the campus, culture, and his colleagues.  

“I strongly believe in the power of connection, and I’ve learned that a mentor doesn’t have to be knowledgeable in a mentee’s field of work. A mentor doesn’t have to have all the answers. All a mentor needs to do is be a connection, a means to help make their mentee feel more connected to the larger community at Tech,” he said. “I love connecting with new Georgia Tech employees, helping them feel like they belong here, and showing them all the unique resources available to us.” 

January is National Mentoring Month, and Georgia Tech employees are encouraged to join Tech’s mentoring program, MentorTech, to maximize their career development. The program is strategically designed to foster the professional development and career growth of Georgia Tech’s employees while building diverse networks across the Institute.  

Tim Edmonds-King leads the program as part of the Georgia Tech Human Resources Learning and Development team. Edmonds-King said that, in addition to the wealth of knowledge offered by Tech’s mentors — many with decades of experience in their fields — the program helps to create a workplace community of mutual support. 

“Our program empowers faculty and staff through meaningful connections, shared expertise, and guided growth,” he said. “Any faculty and staff can benefit from being involved in the program. It allows you to feel connected to campus, meet people, and help Georgia Tech feel closer-knit.” 

That’s exactly what it’s done for Jasmine Miller, a sales manager in Georgia Tech Professional Education. She called her mentoring relationship an essential resource for “defining my career goals, focusing on my next strategic step, and demonstrating why a strategic plan is non-negotiable.” 

“The MentorTech program, with the guidance of my mentor, Tammy Green, has provided essential guidance and psychological safety critical to my professional development,” Miller said. “Tammy’s partnership has transformed my aspirations into a tangible, attainable road map for success by using my background as a guide and incorporating my personal goals into my mentoring.” 

Green, a contracting specialist with the Office of Sponsored Programs, said the mentoring and guidance she provided Miller wasn’t just a one-way street. It was a “win-win,” reciprocal learning relationship. 

“Becoming a mentor has provided a level of satisfaction I cannot explain. It has, without a doubt, resulted in significant personal and professional growth because of mutual trust, understanding, and open communication,” Green said. “I am excited to continue to learn and grow with my mentee, and for the lasting friendship we are building.” 

Getting Started 

The program is designed to strategically pair you with a professional partner, matching you with a mentor based on your relevant competencies and personality assessment. MentorTech’s top priority is ensuring the quality of each match.  

It is important to understand that a mentor does not necessarily have to be someone in a senior management position. They could be a colleague with ample experience, a faculty member with connections to your field of expertise, or even a seasoned professional in a field that you are trying to enter. 

Before you start your journey to a professional partnership, it is imperative to identify your short- and long-term goals. Consider writing down and visualizing the types of positions, certifications, and skill sets you would like to obtain. Setting SMART goals will also provide a more strategic and proactive approach to your mentor-mentee interactions. 

If you would like to become a mentor, or you would like to be matched with a mentor, create a mentor/mentee profile. 

Do you want to become a mentor? Click here. 

Do you want to find a mentor? Click here.