Mentoring Program

The SAWF Mentorship Program is committed to providing SAWF scholarship recipients with a mentor from the automotive industry. It is the goal of the program to be a resource for students until they graduate and enter the workforce. For individuals, studies show that good mentoring can lead to greater career success, including promotions, raises, and increased opportunities.

Sign up to be a mentor. Deadline to sign up is August 30, 2025.

Benefits of Program 

The mentoring program provides the following benefits to students: 

  • Explore the world of work in the automotive industry. 

  • Gain an experienced professional’s perspective on applying classroom concepts to real-life situations. 

  • Learn about business acumen in the automotive industry; how things get done and why. 

  • Greater knowledge of career success factors. 

Mentor Guidelines 

Mentors will interact three times per semester with their assigned mentees for at least two semesters. The mentors will share personal insights and provide guidance and support to help establish and reach the mentees’ professional goals. Mentors are encouraged to have one-on-one conversations with students. Using communication platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and/or Teams is acceptable. It is the goal of the program to be a resource for students until they graduate.  

Mentors also draw benefits from the mentoring relationship. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to share your wisdom and experiences, develop a new relationship, and deepen your skills as a leader and communicator. 

A mentor’s role in a student’s career goes beyond formal responsibilities. Mentors share knowledge, experiences, networks, and resources that help students adjust to and progress through school and beyond. In addition to offering feedback and guidance regarding their academic path, mentors also guide students in their professional development, including career planning, resume building, interview skills development, and business acumen. Mentors advocate for the student as necessary and fitting, and they often help students find other networking opportunities within the industry.  

A good mentor can spot potential in the mentees. A mentor serves as a coach and role model. Mentors are encouraged to consider the following: 

  • How can I use my experience, network, and time to my mentee’s advantage? 

  • What do I wish I had known earlier in my career? 

  • What advice can I offer to help develop the student’s career? 

The first meeting between mentor and mentee establishes the foundation for the relationship and sets the agenda.  

  • Determine preferred method of contact, communication, and frequency. Get it on the calendar. 

  • Mentors should ask the students what their goals are for the mentorship. 

  • Mentors will help steer and focus the goals and develop an action plan that is realistic, achievable, and measurable to assist mentees. 

Remember, being a good mentor does not mean that you have all the answers. You don’t need to be a perfect, shining example either. Your failures and hardships throughout life and your career are just as valuable to your mentee as your successes. The overall goal is to empower the student to develop their own goals, skills, and strengths. Share your experiences and help them find their paths. 

2025/2026 Program to begin Mid-September.

Sign up to be a mentor. Deadline to sign up is August 30, 2025.

Are you a past scholarship recipient and are still in school? Sign up to be a mentee. Deadline to sign up is August 30, 2025