Become a Mentor

Empower the Next Generation of Business Leaders

The Business Growth MAP (Mentor and Analysis Program) at WSU Vancouver invites experienced business professionals to cultivate and foster a growth mindset in university students. Mentors contribute directly to the success of regional small businesses and nonprofits by guiding student teams through hands-on consulting projects. The team mentor is poised to bridge the student transition from theoretical classroom work to real-world experience.

This program develops and maintains a quality group of mentors across backgrounds to reflect the student population at WSU Vancouver and the surrounding region. By bringing a rich mix of perspectives and lived experiences to student teams and clients, mentors help cultivate a campus and community climate that is contextually rich, ethically sound, and socially just. This collaborative environment ensures that student teams, local businesses, and regional nonprofits all have the opportunity to thrive.

Mentor Roles and Expectations

• Who: Business professionals looking for volunteer opportunities who want to work with college students.
• Time Commitment: Mentors devote two to three hours per week, including required weekly meetings with their assigned student team.
• Core Responsibilities: Mentors collaborate with both the student team and the client to fulfill the following objectives:
  • Clarify client needs and project goals.
  • Keep the client engaged and assist with student interactions.
  • Ensure the student team addresses meaningful issues and guide students to provide useful analysis.
  • Make sure student recommendations are realistic and actionable.
  • Help the client understand and implement the final analysis.