The STEP mentoring program is a great resource for students. ITE has a bank of professionals who have volunteered to serve as mentors to undergraduate or graduate students interested in learning more about careers in transportation engineering and planning. Depending on the interests of the mentor and the student, mentoring activities may include getting together for lunch to discuss career goals, going on career-related field trips, or "shadowing," where the student may spend a day with a transportation professional at his/her place of work. If you're a student who would like a mentor, please contact Patty Camacho at mpc@dksassociates.com.

The Bay Area Section of ITE is proud to offer the STEP Mentoring program for Students in Transportation Engineering and Planning. The STEP program works to encourage transportation students to continue their studies in transportation by matching them with Mentors. Mentors will be rewarded with the satisfaction of playing an important role in the student ("mentee")'s professional development and by becoming a part of an expanded network of colleagues. The ITE Section and SBTOA Chapter will benefit from an increased commitment from members, especially from students.

Mentoring Goals & Objectives

• Increase the number of aspiring students remaining and graduating in the field of transportation engineering. 
• Provide experienced and knowledgeable role models for undergraduates.
• Provide informal advice and counsel for undergraduates seeking to clarify their career directions.
• Increase the student's understanding of the range of opportunities available to transportation engineering professionals in the Bay Area.
• Provide a link for students to industry professionals and resources.
• Increase out-of-class learning experiences.
• Provide a mechanism for mentors to share their professional and educational expertise.

The Three E's

EXPLORE Role as a Mentor One-on-one guidance Assist in career path counseling Determine goals with mentee Active participation Provide evaluation of program/student

EXPERIENCE Networking Empower mentees to further develop personal and professional skills Experience the satisfaction of helping someone develop personally Build interpersonal, communication and helping skills Assist in promoting and achieving STEP’s goals through service Open the networking door for your mentee

ENGAGE Expectations Expectations! Responsibilities Give time and guidance  Provide constructive criticism Promote accomplishments Include mentee in professional activities Act as advisor Attend scheduled events  Be on time Strive for mutual respect