MentorNet One-on-One Program Matching FAQ

The MentorNet One-on-One Program utilizes a complex, patent-pending, interrelated set of systems to support all aspects of the mentoring program, including obtaining information and acceptance of terms from participants, matching mentors and protégés, a bi-directional matching algorithm to pair mentors and protégés, and ongoing communications with mentors and protégés, including coaching messages customized to characteristics of the specific pair matched. Often, participants may have questions about why we suggested a particular partner for them or how the matching algorithm works. Although we attempt to always meet the requests of mentors and protégés, sometimes we recommend that participants adjust their ideal expectations to fit the current levels of supply within the program.

• How Does Matching Work?
• Why did I get a message that no mentors are available for me?
• Why, when I asked for a mentor in my field of X, did the mentor have a different field?
• Is the Personal Statement used in the matching algorithm?
• Why, when I asked for a female (or male), or other characteristic for a mentor, did I not get that type of mentor?
• I'm a mentor, and indicated a high level of comfort for talking with a protégé about a certain topic - why didn't I get matched with a protégé interested in that topic?
• How does the Automatic Matching work?

How does the program work?

Prospective mentors and protégés fill out similar online profiles. Once completed, many points of data from the profiles are used in the matching algorithm, which considers both mentors' and protégés' responses to find the best match for each protégé (or best suggested matches). Protégés may choose to have the algorithm automatically match them with a mentor (which results in a match with the mentor predicted to have the closest fit with the protégé’s profile whose preferences accommodate such a protégé), or may choose to select a mentor directly from those identified by the matching algorithm.

Why did I get a message that no mentors are available for me?

MentorNet works with our partnering and other organizations to bring mentors into the program. Sometimes, the demand for certain types of mentors outweighs our ability (at that moment) to supply those mentors. You may wish to review your preference to determine whether they can be adjusted, or otherwise, please just try to be patient.

Why, when I asked for a mentor in my field of X, did the mentor have a different field?

For certain fields, when mentors are not available in our pool, we may attempt to make the match with someone in a related field.

Is the Personal Statement used in the matching algorithm?

The matching algorithm does not include the Personal Statement. However, this field can be very important as protégés choose among different mentors. For mentors, the protégé's Personal Statement can be a good starting point for getting to know each other.

Why, when I asked for a female (or male), or other characteristic for a mentor, did I not get that type of mentor?

MentorNet attempts to make the best match possible, given the mentors available at the time of the search. Unless you have indicated an "absolute requirement" for certain types of characteristics in your match preferences, you may be presented with a mentor who does not fit that preference, if there is no closer fit at that time.

I'm a mentor, and indicated a high level of comfort for talking with a protégé about a certain topic - why didn't I get matched with a protégé interested in that topic?

In the "Issues" fields, we attempt to match the mentor most based upon the protégé's needs. Thus, you may be matched with a protégé who has little interest in certain topics of interest to you, but MentorNet would try not match you with a protégé with an interest in issues you are not comfortable discussing.

How does the Automatic Matching work?

Each protégé is given 14 days to select a mentor through our online search. After 14 days, you are put into our Automatic Matching Pool.

Once you are put into the Automatic Matching Pool, we will attempt to match you with a mentor based on your preferences as well as the mentors' preferences. Our algorithm takes many factors into account to try to make the best matches. If a 'good' match is found, an email is sent to the mentor to make sure s/he is still available. Once that is confirmed, you will get an email letting you know that you have been matched. You will not have an opportunity to review the match once you are placed in the Automatic Matching Pool.

The amount of time it takes to get matched is dependent upon the number of mentors available in the field(s) that you specified. Once you are in the automatic matching pool, we will attempt to match you with a mentor weekly.

If you do not wish to be automatically matched, you can do one of the following:

• Check for available matches and choose a mentor now
• Reset Search Status and receive another 14 days to search on your own
• Hide Protégé Profile if you do NOT want to remain in the pool

Note: The mentor chosen for you by the automatic matching algorithm may or may not be one of the mentors that showed up in your search results, depending on their current availability and other matching factors. If you have 'hidden' any mentors that showed up in your search results, these mentors will not be available in the automatic matching pool.