California Polytechnic State University

A STUDENT'S GUIDE TO MAXIMIZING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Before meeting with your mentor, make a list of your interests and goals. What are your goals for the mentoring relationship; what are your professional goals after graduation. List the questions that you have concerning the profession or industry that is of interest to you. Your preparation will help the mentor get acquainted with your needs, interests and goals. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions; be prepared.

After your first meeting with the mentor you should develop a Plan with a timeline based on the results of the first meeting, and the Guidelines provided in this document.

The Plan need not be comprehensive or exhaustive in scope since it should evolve and be modified as the relationship develops and new issues arise. However, the initial Plan should answer several important questions:

• What will you do,
• When will you do it,
• Where and how do you get started.

The Plan will help you and the mentor allocate time and provide benchmarks to evaluate progress and success.

The Executive Partners Program provides all students with a guide containing instructions, tactics and mentoring strategies to make the process as enjoyable as possible. Email tlvassey@calpoly.edu if you would like an electronic copy of the Student’s Guide.

EXECUTIVE PARTNERS PROGRAM - Mike Miner CEO Miner’s Ace Hardware

Mike Miner is the CEO of Miner’s Ace Hardware. He grew up in Arroyo Grande and attended both Cuesta College and Cal Poly. After working as a general contractor and in retail, Mike returned to the family hardware business and became President in 1982. From a small single store operation with nine employees he grew the business to 5 stores with almost 200 employees. Currently Miners Ace Hardware is ranked in the top 20 of more than 4,000 Ace Dealers and is expanding into their 6th location.
In addition to the hardware business, Mike has also been involved in numerous residential and commercial developments and is currently the managing partner of several partnerships. He was a Director of Mid State Bank and has served on numerous Community Boards including the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation.

Mike left college in 1972 as a sophomore and returned 22 years later. At age 43 he received a BA in History from Antioch University.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo • Orfalea College of Business

Last Update: 05/31/2009

Executives Partners Program
Orfalea College of Business
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
805.756.2704