Shape the future through mentoring!

In 2022, IEEE-HKN launched a pilot Professional – Graduate Student Mentoring Program to forge closer ties between alumni/professional members and graduate students across our organization. The pilot program supported 14 graduate students and 9 mentors and quickly became one of HKN’s most rewarding programs.

What is unique about joining the HKN Mentoring Initiative is you are fully supported by a team of dedicated volunteers to pair mentors and mentees, mitigate any issues that may arise and ensure you are getting the most out of this opportunity. Mentors and mentees also formalized their goals by signing a Mentoring Agreement which includes agreed upon meeting times and topics to cover which ranges from how to build a start-up to how to evaluate post-graduation job offers.

Now, we are expanding our initiative and looking for dedicated mentors and enthusiastic mentees who are looking to build a stronger future together.

To become a mentor:

  • Non-student grade IEEE member with 1 year post-collegiate work experience
  • Be willing to dedicate 2-4 hours per month (+1 per additional mentee) to engage and meet with your mentees over the duration of the program (March – December).
  • Complete the Mentoring Agreement after being paired with your mentee(s).
  • Fill out this form to officially register as a mentor by March 1st, 2025.

To become a mentee:

  • Be an HKN Student Candidate or Inductee currently accepted or enrolled in a graduate program
  • Be willing to dedicate 2-4 hours per month to engage and meet with your mentor over the duration of the program (March – December).
  • Complete the Mentoring Agreement after being paired with your mentor.
  • Fill out this form to officially register as a mentee by March 1st, 2025.
Graduate Student Initiatives
Mentee Sign Up
Apply to be a Mentor
Mentoring Agreement
Contact Us

“I’m really enjoying my interactions with my Mentor as she is really putting efforts to help me in all the ways possible.”

Graduate Student Mentee

“There’s no greater feeling as a mentor than to use your experience to help others achieve success themselves. When they accomplish something they didn’t think they could do, and they are so happy and confident, and they say that they couldn’t have done it without your help, that’s what it is all about.”

John D. McDonald, IEEE Life Fellow and Member of National Academy of Engineering

“[My mentor] has provided incredible insight into building my career and perspectives into surviving the challenging conditions of grad school. He has provided pivotal help in preparing for interviews and helping me shape my resume. I am more than happy to call [My mentor] a mentor, role model and friend. Thank you for the awesome program!”

Graduate Student Mentee