Don’t take our word for it.
Our past and present mentees gladly shared their experiences working with KJ and the rest of the Aspire Mentors team. Scroll down to listen and read what they had to say!
Clint
current mentee since November, 2023
Penn State c/o 2019 — B.A. Political Science
Boston University c/o 2025 — MBA
Will
current mentee since December, 2023
Northeastern c/o 2025 — B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics
What positive changes have you seen within yourself since joining Aspire Mentors?
The biggest positive change I've seen is a mindset change which has led to a change in the # of hours put in to furthering my career
In what ways has KJ, specifically, contributed to those positive changes? Any other anecdotes from other mentors that you’d like to touch on?
KJ has been one of the primary driving factors behind the change, alongside Alexandra, my primary mentor. KJ generally helps me on larger picture things including things outside of pure CS stuff, and sometimes steps in for the low level things while Alexandra primarily helps with low-level CS related preparation
How has your future outlook changed since joining? What would you say to someone who may be hesitant with the dollar amount investment for a program like this?
My outlook on the future is a lot more clear and I feel Investing in this program is like getting braces. Braces may be costly, and not everyone needs them, but for those who do, they make all the difference in ensuring everything aligns properly for the future. Just like braces help you achieve a confident smile, this program is designed to align your personal and career growth in a way that sets you up for long-term success and satisfaction. It might feel like a significant investment now, but the impact it has on your future will be well worth it.
Joey
current mentee since January, 2024
MIT c/o 2024 — B.S. in Computer Science
What positive changes have you seen within yourself since joining Aspire Mentors?
I believe I’ve grown more confident, become more productive, and learned to better tackle challenges. The support I get helps me develop a sense of inner peace and the ability to see myself in a more positive light.
In what ways has KJ, specifically, contributed to those positive changes?
KJ has played a major part in the positive changes. He listened to what I had to say and guided me toward the better version of myself I wanted to be.
Are there any other anecdotes from other mentors that you’d like to touch on?
I’ve met with Alex, who has been helping me with technical interviews specifically. The first interview I had with her I was not at all prepared for. It was like a good wake-up call. It’s been really encouraging seeing the progress I’ve made and learning what to expect in a technical interview.
How has your future outlook changed since joining?
I feel better prepared for my future and less lost than before.
What would you say to someone who may be hesitant with the dollar amount investment for a program like this?
I believe everyone would benefit from some form of mentoring. If you ever feel ‘stuck’ and have the capacity to invest in yourself, I believe mentorship is one of the best ways to go.
Pedro
current mentee since January, 2024
Cal State Long Beach c/o 2025 — B.S. in Aerospace Engineering
When you’re a part of Aspire Mentors, we love to celebrate our wins. We’ve just been doing this for a couple months at this point, but here’s a glimpse into our #wins Discord channel.
Alexandra
From Hesitant and Indecisive High Schooler to Confident MIT Computer Science Undergraduate Student
Finding the Right Path: Overcoming Academic Uncertainties and Mastering College Applications
Prior to connecting with KJ, my academic journey was riddled with uncertainties. I grappled with the intimidating prospects of college applications, uncertain about my career path and lacked the confidence to navigate the challenges ahead. I sought KJ's support precisely because of his commendable track record in academic exploration and endeavors. His genuine passion for helping students, coupled with his own experiences in navigating the intricate college and career landscape, assured me that his mentorship would be invaluable in shaping my future endeavors.
Initially, KJ guided me through my high school challenges, particularly in AP Physics. Witnessing his ability to unravel complex problems and foster higher-level thinking greatly motivated me to seek his guidance in broader academic and career-related matters. KJ's insightful approach to dissecting convoluted problems and his knack for understanding my aspirations set a strong foundation for our journey together. His ability to simplify intricate concepts made the seemingly daunting college application process more manageable. KJ seamlessly blended his own experiences with a personalized approach tailored to my needs, ultimately leading me to secure admission to top colleges, earning substantial scholarships along the way.
Embracing the Power of Mentorship: Personal Growth and Envisioning the Future
I am highly satisfied with the outcomes and the journey we've undertaken together. The highlight of our collaboration was KJ's exceptional ability to foster a supportive and nurturing environment, where I felt empowered to explore my potential without reservations. I would highly recommend KJ's services to anyone seeking guidance and support in their academic and career pursuits. His personalized approach, coupled with his wealth of experiences, ensures that each individual receives tailored guidance that is both empowering and transformative.
Moving forward, I am confident that our collaboration will continue to have a profound impact on my future endeavors. KJ's insights have equipped me with the necessary tools to navigate the intricacies of the professional world, ensuring that I make informed decisions that align with my aspirations and goals. Witnessing the profound impact a mentor can have on one's life motivated me to become a mentor myself, aspiring to guide and empower others just as KJ has done for me.
Pivoting Paths: The Journey from Contemplation to Software Engineering Excellence
One of the key turning points during our collaboration was when KJ encouraged me to explore computer science, a field I had been contemplating but was hesitant to delve into. Our journey was marked by a meticulous process that involved dissecting my interests, aligning them with my career goals, and strategizing ways to realize them. KJ's insightful guidance not only broadened my horizons but also instilled a sense of confidence that I could navigate the challenges ahead. His ability to anticipate challenges and offer proactive solutions constantly amazed me, making the learning process both insightful and rewarding. His resources helped me make an informed decision, ultimately leading me to pivot my major and explore this exciting new realm.
Our collaboration has led to remarkable achievements and milestones. I was selected as a software engineering fellow at Jane Street, a feat that would not have been possible without KJ's invaluable insights. Moreover, the transformation I've undergone, from a hesitant high school student to a confident, proactive undergraduate, speaks volumes about the impact of our collaboration. His mentorship not only broadened my perspective but also equipped me with the necessary tools to tackle challenges with confidence.
Michelle
From Feeling Stuck Career-wise to Confidently and Quickly Rising the Ranks of One of the World’s Top Biotech Companies.
Embracing Crossroads: Discovering Potential Amidst Career Uncertainty
KJ offered me a lot of encouragement and support at a time where I was feeling a bit stuck at my company, and saw the limitations that I was facing. I found myself at a crossroads in my career. I was seeking growth and I wanted to be challenged, to find greater value for my skills, and to explore a world of potential for personal and professional growth.
I appreciated my job, but I knew I could achieve more. KJ has always been really supportive of my career journey, and has helped push me to become a greater version of myself. My decision to seek help came naturally because I knew KJ was always my biggest supporter. He encouraged me to aim higher and look beyond my current situation.
A Beacon of Confidence: Navigating Challenges with Self-Belief and Guidance
KJ always had a high level of confidence in my abilities. He was thoughtful, but also challenged me to think critically about my future. He kept me accountable and ensured I took practical steps toward my goals, from enhancing my resume to connecting with potential employers.
The key turning point was when a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn for a Senior Manager role. While I did not feel like I had the necessary qualifications to suit the role, KJ encouraged me to continue learning more about the role. This was the first interview I had done since college, but KJ’s support gave me the confidence to move forward.
As a result of our collaboration, I was able to land a job at an amazing company, with a 30% salary increase and earn a higher title. And since being in the role, I have loved my experience feeling more empowered in my work and taking on more responsibility as I continue to showcase my talent in the hopes of earning a further promotion.
The Ripple Effect: From Being Mentored to Mentoring Others
One of the most valuable parts of working with KJ, is the confidence that he instill in you. He truly stands by the mantra “Believe in yourself,” because your confidence is the most powerful thing you can have. He also keeps you accountable and will continue to check in with you to ensure you are making progress on your goals. The way he is able to do this is truly invaluable.
KJ continues to push me to become the best possible version of myself. Whether it’s physically, mentally, or emotionally, KJ will help me grow in many aspects. I appreciate his support in my journey of life, and he is my biggest cheerleader.
As a result, I chose to become a mentor because I truly love helping and guiding others. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, and while my career is quite different than what I imagined, I still find myself finding ways to help others. For example, as an upperclassman in MIT, I became a Freshman Advisor to help freshmen navigate the uncertainty of their first year at college. I’d love to use my experiences to guide others through their own transformative journey.
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