Why Mentorship Matters: Building Confidence Beyond the Robot

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In recognition of 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩 2026, we’re highlighting Project Manager Alexander Herren who has spent the past five years mentoring a high school robotics team, guiding students through real-world engineering challenges while helping them build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a passion for innovation. Below, Alex shares what inspired him to get involved, and why mentorship makes a lasting impact on both students and professionals alike.

𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
Alex’s motivation to mentor comes from personal experience.

“I was inspired by the incredible mentors I had in the same program growing up. I know how much of an impact they had on me, and I can only hope to have half that impact on the students I mentor.”

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿
According to Alex, mentoring benefits everyone involved.

“Teaching a subject or skill is the pinnacle of understanding it. Being able to clearly explain a concept to a peer or student is the final step in truly solidifying your own knowledge.”

Beyond strengthening technical understanding, mentorship plays a critical role in knowledge transfer across generations.

“It’s how we continue moving forward as a society. I know many of the students I’ve mentored will eventually come back to mentor others, just like I did.”

And of course, there’s the challenge that keeps things exciting.

“We have just 7–8 weeks to design, manufacture, and program a robot for a brand-new game each year. Every season brings a new engineering problem to solve alongside the team and fellow mentors.”

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀
For students interested in automation, engineering, or robotics, Alex encourages flexibility.

“Don’t overthink the specific degree or education level you think you need. Career paths aren’t linear, and you can always shift directions or cross disciplines. My Mechanical Engineering degree turned into a career in PLC programming and electrical design, and now project management.”

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
When asked what he enjoys most about working with students, Alex points to growth.

"Seeing the 'aha' moment when something finally clicks and watching students grow from needing hands-on guidance to teaching younger teammates themselves. It’s hard to describe the feeling of watching a student gain the confidence to make decisions and drive forward.”

𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀
“The biggest lesson students learn is confidence. Many start out questioning their abilities, but over time they grow into individuals who can operate independently and trust their decisions. The most rewarding moment is realizing that we, as mentors, can step away and let them fly on their own.”