You ask.
They answer.

CFE mentors love helping Michigan innovators. So what’s one question you have for someone who’s done what’s ahead of you?

How It Works

01

You ask.

Need help with an idea or active startup? Wondering about career options?

02

We recruit.

Our technology (powered by Protopia) uses AI to find the best experts to answer you.

03

Get answers.

We “hunt” until you have one or more responses. Delivered right to your email inbox.

04

Say ‘thank you.’

And build your network by continuing to stay in touch (such as via LinkedIn).

Not sure how to ask? We’ve got a short video that will turn you into a networking rock star.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT CAN I ASK?

Literally anything to help with your academic or professional development. There are thousands of alumni, faculty, staff and friends that can help with class projects, building and growing a startup or figuring out career options.

WHAT'S A GOOD QUESTION?

Think of your question as an advertisement. Share who you are, what you are doing, and what you need help with. Keep it short and sweet. Here’s a short video on how to craft a great question that will get you results and help build your network.

WHO WILL SEE MY QUESTION?

We send your request to the best alumni, faculty, and staff in your area of interest.

CAN I REQUEST SOMEONE SPECIFIC?

No. We make our matches based on availability, proximity, experience and skills.

CAN I ASK A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION?

Yes, of course! Once we make a match you’ll have direct, one-to-one communication and can ask additional questions. 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET AN ANSWER?

Our goal is to get you answers within 3 business days. But it depends on what you’re asking. It can go as quickly as an hour to as long as 10 days or more.

WILL MY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BE CONFIDENTIAL?

Your question will not be made public. It will be seen only by matched experts and a handful of administrators.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW OFTEN I CAN ASK?

No. You can ask as many questions as you would like. In fact, we encourage it as this is the simplest way for you to build your professional network.

Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“My name is Antonio and I am a junior BBA student. I have worked at a venture-backed startup and am passionate about becoming a venture capitalist.

How can I best position myself for such a career? What can I do to differentiate myself at school and in the workplace? What are the most important experiences and skill you would prefer to see in a prospective employee for a role in VC.

Thank you so much for your consideration! Look forward to connecting!"
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“Hi! My name is Leah, and I am a rising senior studying Computer Engineering. I am worried about getting stuck in a job that doesn't excite me and failing to achieve balance a balance between professional and personal ambitions.

I would love to speak with alumni working in the field who have advice for someone in my position. What fears have you had and how have you overcome them?

Thank you!”
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“Hi, My name is Charlie, and I am a junior as well as first-time entrepreneur. I have invested a lot of hours in a busines plan, but I know it still needs work.

I would really like some help with the finance side -- modeling, pricing and justifying sales targets. I'd like guidance and/or recommendations for resources.

Thank you for your assistance!”
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“Hello U-M mentor! I am currently a sophomore majoring in Information Science. For many years I have wanted to work in renewable energy.

How can I best position myself to be an attractive candidate? Are there any skills I should prioritize? What are the best ways to network with people in the field?

Thank you so much for your time, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Go ahead and ask

It has never been simpler to get help from others that have done what’s ahead of you.

Seriously.

The use of U-M Entrepreneurs Mentoring Network is subject to our Terms Of Use.
Want to sign up to be a mentor? Click here.
Questions? Contact us at 
cfementoring@umich.edu.