The H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) at Georgia Tech hosted its annual MentIE Program Kickoff Event on September 23, bringing together students and alumni to celebrate a new year of mentorship, networking, and professional growth. 

The MentIE Program is one of the many initiatives led by the Center for Academics, Success, and Engagement (CASE). It connects current ISyE students with alumni mentors who provide guidance on personal and professional development. Through these one-on-one relationships, students gain insight into industry pathways, develop career readiness skills, and learn how to translate their academic experiences into real-world career success. 

Mentors are comprised of experienced ISyE alumni from diverse industries, offering valuable perspectives and advice to help students navigate internships, career decisions, and life after graduation. The program aims to prepare participants to be career-ready from day one while cultivating leadership, communication, and team-building skills that will serve them throughout their careers. 

Student Voices: Learning, Growing, and Gaining Confidence 
For many ISyE students, MentIE is a transformative experience that helps them clarify goals, gain confidence, and expand their networks.  

Gavin Horn (Second Year ISyE) shared how mentorship helped him explore new directions within industrial engineering: “What I really liked about MentIE is being able to talk to someone who’s well into the industry in their career. Even though I knew I wanted to do IE, I’m still not quite sure exactly what direction I want to go into, because there are just so many directions. My last mentor was Jeffrey Elder and it was helpful to talk to him and understand what he’s been doing within the industry. It’s also giving me great networking opportunities, and an abundance of information and connections. When I came back [to Tech] this year, I knew I had to do the program again.”  

Ibunkunola Jaiyesimi (Third Year ISyE) reflected on the program’s impact on her confidence and career growth: “MentIE has helped me improve in a lot of areas, not only as a college student, but also in trying to prepare for my career. My mentor, Mr. John White, helped me explore consulting, but I also discovered my interest in product management. I’ve gained so much confidence through this program in being able to speak, ask questions, and share what I’m passionate about. Networking through MentIE helped me meet product managers, which affirmed my interests.” 

Shirley Ren (Third Year ISyE), a first-generation college student, shared how MentIE has provided essential guidance and community: “I first started MentIE my sophomore year because I wanted support from mentors who went through the Georgia Tech experience. As a first-gen student, I didn’t have people in my family to guide me. Having that support and advice from mentors, like when to pursue a master’s or what skills to focus on, has been so helpful. It’s amazing to have this kind of program where you can connect with mentors as early as your first year. It’s been rewarding, and I’d love to be a mentor myself after I graduate.” 

Lauren Marques (Second Year ISyE), a transfer student, said the program has already helped her find community and direction: “I’m most looking forward to working with my mentor and learning about their career path. I think it will help give me insight into where I could go with my own career and how to be more professional in the workplace. I’m excited to learn from their experience and apply those lessons to my own journey.” 

Alvaro Saldarriaga (First Year ISyE) added that the program offers invaluable professional exposure: “What made me interested in joining MentIE is the amount of networking you can do with business experts in different fields and industries. They’ve had the experiences that you're going through and can help you with your future goals. It’s valuable to have these mentorships. This is my first year, and it’s amazing to see all the opportunities the program has to offer.” 

Alumni Mentors: Giving Back and Guiding the Next Generation 
ISyE alumni play a key role in the success of the MentIE Program, sharing lessons learned, offering career insights, and helping students navigate transitions from the classroom to the workplace. 

Louis Wooten (IE 2020), Manager at Simon Kucher, shared why he chose to get involved: “This is an avenue for me to give guidance to students as a relatively recent graduate—guidance I wish I had sought when I was in college. Having a program structure like MentIE is beneficial because students are balancing so much already. This program helps them look beyond just what’s next to what’s two or three years down the road.” 

Mary Ellen Skeens (IE 1999), Innovation Leader at Philips, joined MentIE to share her experience and encourage students to network: “I was very excited to give back and learn from these students. MentIE is an absolutely phenomenal resource for students and for the Georgia Tech alumni network. Networking can be overwhelming, but everyone is willing to help. Students shouldn’t hesitate to ask for introductions. That can be the differentiator in who gets the position.” 

Kamisha Brown (IE 2023), Membership Engagement Officer at NextUp Atlanta, emphasized the value of commitment and engagement: “I think it's important to give back, but I also wish I had had this when I was here at Georgia Tech. MentIE helps students understand what life after college looks like, how to navigate the workplace, and what skills to hone now. My biggest advice is to make the commitment, show up and engage. The students who do that get so much out of the experience.” 

Matthew Oatts (IE 2010) returned to MentIE to reconnect with students and help them think beyond job searching: “I wanted to recalibrate where mentees are and how they show up in the world. Last year I had mentees with different perspectives and needs. It was rewarding to help them think beyond just getting a job, and more about positioning themselves for long-term success. It was so fulfilling that I decided to do it again this year.” 

Building the Future, Together 
As the MentIE Program begins another year, its impact continues to grow, bridging generations of Yellow Jackets and cultivating a community rooted in mentorship, learning, and leadership. Through shared experiences and intentional connection, MentIE empowers ISyE students to enter the workforce confident, capable, and ready to make an impact. 

Learn More 
Interested in becoming a MentIE mentor or mentee? Visit the MentIE Program page to learn more about how you can get involved or contact the ISyE Student Engagement team for upcoming opportunities.