Finding a Mentor While in College

“_Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people … or find a different room._” - Michael Dell, founder & CEO of Dell Technologies

Navigating college, let alone the world of entrepreneurship, can feel overwhelming. You might have an amazing idea but no idea how to make it tangible, or you might be searching for someone to help you refine your business acumen. That’s where a mentor comes in. The right mentors can provide guidance, support, and connections that help shape your entrepreneurial journey and your life.

One of the biggest misconceptions about mentors is that they have to be successful founders. While an experienced entrepreneur can be a great guide, mentors can come from a variety of backgrounds. Your mentor might be someone with business expertise, but they could also be someone with a deep understanding of your target audience, or an individual with valuable industry connections. The key is to stay open to learning from different perspectives – some of the the most important lessons you will learn as a founder will arise from the people and situations you least expect.  How to Make New Connections Finding a mentor starts with expanding your network. The good news? College provides plenty of opportunities to do just that. Here are some ways to start making connections:

1) Go to Office Hours

As a student and an entrepreneur, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going to office hours – and not just once! Professors, faculty members, and TA’s are often well-connected and have a wealth of knowledge they are eager to share. Make the time to meet with them (in person, if possible!). If there is an individual on Grounds who you find particularly interesting, but don’t have a class with, reach out anyway! Get to know them, ask about their experiences, and request an introduction to someone in their network.

2) Attend Networking Events

UVA hosts a variety of networking opportunities, many of which you can find on Handshake. Sign up and show up. These events are great for meeting professionals in your field of interest and practicing your networking skills. Remember, networking isn’t just about collecting business cards - it’s about building genuine relationships. Come into the conversation with a brief elevator pitch about yourself, a few specific questions prepared, and leave knowing how best to follow up with them.

3) Meet Guest Speakers

Entrepreneurs and industry professionals are constantly visiting Grounds to give presentations and participate in panels to share their knowledge with Hoos. Make it a priority to attend their events and introduce yourself afterward. Prepare a thoughtful question or comment about their talk. If you are able, follow up with an email expressing your appreciation for their insights.

4) Immerse Yourself in Entrepreneurship

The best way to connect with like-minded individuals is to put yourself in entrepreneurial environments. Join entrepreneurship-related clubs, enroll in business and innovation-focused classes, participate in pitch competitions, and spend time at the Foundry!  These spaces and experiences naturally foster mentorship relationships, particularly peer-to-peer.

5) Visit the Foundry at UVA

The Foundry is UVA’s hub for student entrepreneurs. It’s a great place to meet people who share your interests, including potential mentors who frequent the space. Drop by, engage with the community, and see where it leads you!   Keeping in Touch **Once you’ve connected with a mentor, the next challenge is maintaining the relationship. Here’s how you can ensure your mentor-mentee relationship stays strong: **1) Send a Follow-Up Message After meeting someone new, send a brief email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time and mentioning something specific from your conversation. This small gesture shows your interest and professionalism. 2) Semesterly Check-Ins Here’s a pro-tip: send your mentors an update at the end of each semester. Share what you’ve been working on, ask for advice, and express appreciation for their guidance. Below is a simple email template you can use for your first update. Feel free to adjust to suit your personal communication style. Subject: A Quick Life Update from UVA! Hi [Their Name], I hope you’re doing well and that life has been treating you kindly. [Insert something personal here, like a shared memory or ask how they’ve been.] I’m writing to share that I’ve finished my (x) semester at the University of Virginia, and it’s been quite the journey! Despite the challenges, I’ve realized just how fortunate I am to be here, and a huge part of that is thanks to your guidance and support. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done to help me get to this point. Since I want to stay in touch and keep you in the loop, I thought I’d start sending a brief update once each semester. There's no need to reply if you're busy, but if you ever have time to chat or share more of your wisdom, I would love to hear from you! Here are a few highlights and reflections since I started the school year: Life updates: [Share big things you’ve been up to, like clubs, classes, new experiences.] Things I’ve learned: [Reflect on personal growth, new perspectives, or academic insights.] Looking forward to: [Talk about any upcoming plans, events, or milestones.] Goals and hopes: [Share long-term aspirations or things you’re working towards.] I’ll keep this short for now, but I just wanted to check in and let you know how much I appreciate all you’ve done. Looking forward to staying connected! Sincerely, [Your Name] Note: If this is someone you know well, consider attaching a picture of yourself featuring one of the highlights of your semester! 3) Plan Your Next Meeting If you want to maintain a consistent thread of communication with a mentor, always try to schedule your next meeting before the current one ends. This keeps the momentum going and prevents long periods of silence in the relationship. 4) Celebrate Your Mentor Small gestures go a long way. Send holiday or birthday cards, share an article you think they’d enjoy, or even give a small gift as a token of appreciation (but remember, you’re not bribing them!). Thoughtful actions show that you value their time and mentorship. Final Thoughts Finding a suitable mentor in college doesn't have to be difficult. It’s about building authentic relationships with people who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey. Stay curious, take initiative, and immerse yourself in environments where mentorship naturally develops. Remember, the best entrepreneurs didn’t make it on their own -- and you don’t have to either!