s much as possible, resist the urge to contact the mentee first. They need to prepare to have a good discussion with their mentors using a "worksheet" (in the Pre-APEC Phase of the mentorship workbook). This completed worksheet will not only save time during discussions, but make the mentee more receptive to your advice. When they ask to meet with you, encourage them to send their completed worksheet beforehand if they haven't already. Thank them for taking the initiative to reach out and for preparing for the mentorship discussion.

Pre-APEC Phase

Objective: Prepare APEC schedule and objectives together as there are many simultaneous events.

Encourage student mentees to embrace the 6 major objectives of the mentorship program:

1. Take advantage of APEC
2. Explore career options & directions
3. Promote self & network (socially)
4. Meet subject matter experts
5. Introduce activities & events for PSMA, IAS & PELS
6. Have fun along the way.

Objective 1: Take advantage of APEC

The student may think they are only coming to present their paper and leave. Remind them that APEC is the Premier power electronics conference internationally They should take full advantage of the opportunities to meet future colleagues, employers, suppliers, and customers, as they have already paid the full registration fee and can receive up to $1000 in travel reimbursement.

Consider attending your mentee's presentation as your schedule allows. This enables you to provide input or feedback on their research.

Lastly encourage the mentee to be specific about scheduling activities to avoid conflicts and resolve priorities. Preparation is key as there are many parallel sessions and presentations of interest. Help them choose activities wisely to get the most out of the experience. Presentation slides are usually available in the APEC app for the industry and technical sessions, which can help with scheduling conflicts.

Objective 2: Explore career options & directions

Many students may not know about other engineering aspects or research options beyond design. For example, if they enjoy troubleshooting, they might be interested in field applications engineering (FAEs), failure analysis, or manufacturing. They could also use investigative skills in test (verification & validation) engineering or quality assurance. Moreover, engineering can be a stepping stone to other professions and careers.

Objective 3: Promote self & network (socially)

Networking is crucial at this stage of their lives. Remind them that "it is not just what you know, but also who you know" and explain why.

Objective 4: Meet subject matter experts

Use your network to introduce them to key experts of interest. Encourage them to prepare interview questions and to reach out early before schedules fill up.

Objective 5: Introduce activities & events for PSMA, IEEE IAS, & IEEE PELS

PSMA: an industry association which focuses on making reliable electrical power supplies & power electronics commercially available in quantity.

IEEE: professional organization that focuses on electrical and electronics engineers.

• Industry Applications Society (IAS): branch of IEEE focused on the needs of the industrial or commercial sector.
• Power Electronics Society (PELS): branch of IEEE that facilitates and guides the development and innovation in power electronics technology.

Other tips

Some students may be traveling for the first time, especially internationally. They may need travel advice and tips to stay safe, avoid unnecessary fees, and adjust to circumstances, and time zone differences, etc.

APEC Phase

If the mentee did not reach out before APEC, many of the suggestions in the Pre-APEC section still apply.

Sign in at mentorship room (if available). Meet other mentors and share ideas.

Wear a mentor ribbon (if available) to connect with other mentors.

Consider taking selfies with others to encourage participation in those workbook activities.

Follow up with mentees on how things are going and help them adjust their schedules accordingly. Find out what they have learned so far and continue to encourage their initiative and progress.

Encourage mentees to connect with other mentees, as they may be future colleagues. For example, they could eat together, take the class photo, or attend sessions together.

Give feedback on their presentation if you were able to attend or do so after APEC if time is constrained.

Post APEC Phase

Take the initiative to provide feedback to the APEC mentorship program to help improve it.

Find out the mentee's most important take away from the experience and their biggest disappointment. Discuss what they can do to continue gaining positive experiences and how to prevent similar disappointments. Use the opportunity to learn how to be a better mentor.

Encourage mentees who take the initiative to reach out to mentor others. Suggest they reach out to colleagues and alumni to interview and explore their career options.

Do you have suggestions for mentors that should be in this article? Feel free to share at mentors@psma.com.

Most Importantly: Thank You for being a Mentor! Thanks again for giving our next generation of engineers a head start.

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