Whether you are a faculty member or working in research or industry, mentoring students is a meaningful and valuable experience. You can inspire young adults to pursue careers in technical fields by mentoring them individually or through organizations such as FIRST Lego League and Robotics competition, JETS, and Girl/Boy Scouts. We'll focus here on mentoring students at the university levels.

If you are called upon to mentor an undergrad, one of your goals will be to assist him or her to gain a feel for the many different careers in science and engineering. Early exposure to a range of courses, summer job or internships, and work-study experience can help students find the right major and envision subsequent goals. Performing a well-planned research project can help them understand the practice of science and engineering and add value to their education regardless of career choice.

Many young students lack sufficient experience to imagine what kind of work they might do as professionals. Don't assume that students know something just because it is obvious to you. Take a step back, and remember how little you knew at the time. One of your goals for your student protégé is to provide a "map" of the terrain and a "travelers' guide" to the professional universe they may some day encounter.

When mentoring an undergrad, you may be asked to help select courses, suggest work experience, and to provide guidance as they consider the many science or engineering careers that are available.

1. EARLY CONCERNS. An undergrad may enjoy math or science without knowing how to choose a major. Gently probe the student's level of interest and most-satisfying activities. Pay special attention to motivation, which might be more important than background in deciding a student's success or failure. Suggest early exposure to a range of courses, summer jobs or internships, and work study experiences.

2. COURSE WORK AND ACADEMIC GOALS. Discuss career goals and career choices to help your protégé determine an academic course of action. Suggest electives that may provide other career directions. Urge the protégé to seek practical experience.

3. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH. Encourage undergraduate students to perform a research project. Ask them questions to determine their fitness and preparedness for a given research project to avoid a recipe for failure. Research that is too advanced, poorly conceptualized or improperly executed may be worse than no research experience at all.

4. CONTEMPLATING GRADUATE SCHOOL. The usual indicators of readiness for a successful graduate experience are course records, test scores, and success in undergraduate research. But, don't be afraid to use your instinct and your own experience. The truly energized and motivated student will probably find a way to succeed.