Engineering student Yusef Ibrahim launches peer mentoring initiative to help classmates navigate co-ops and academic challenges

Rochester, New York – Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations can be a daunting task for many students. However, Yusef Ibrahim, a fourth-year Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) major, has managed to master this challenge while creating opportunities for others along the way. His latest initiative, the Student Engineering Professionals (SEP) program, is a testament to his commitment to mentoring and supporting his fellow students as they navigate the complexities of engineering education.

Despite an already demanding schedule, Ibrahim has made significant contributions to both his academic community and the professional world. In the past year alone, he completed a co-op at General Motors in Flint, Michigan, returned as a teaching assistant for the College of Engineering Technology’s Introduction to Circuits course, and even published another book of poetry. In addition to these accomplishments, he has also created a series of videos designed to simplify engineering concepts for students. And if that weren’t impressive enough, he holds a national ranking as one of the fastest Rubik’s Cube solvers.

At the heart of his recent efforts is the SEP mentoring program, which he established to help students gain valuable co-op experience. The program pairs second- and third-year students who are seeking co-op opportunities with upper-class students who have already completed one. According to Ibrahim, securing that first co-op can be a significant hurdle, and SEP is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience.

A Structured Approach to Mentorship

The SEP program operates on a three-part model designed to ensure students receive comprehensive support. “The first part is a check-in,” Ibrahim explained. “This helps form a personal connection with the mentee. Then comes the deadlines and details phase, where we guide students through important tasks like preparing for career fairs, managing coursework, and improving time management. This can involve building a portfolio website, refining a resume, or developing a study plan tailored to their needs.”

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The final phase, known as reflection and intention, is critical to helping students assess their experiences and set goals for the future. “If you want to change, you have to know what you need to change first,” Ibrahim said. “Reflection is about understanding what went well and what didn’t. Then, you can make an informed decision about how to improve.”

Currently, the SEP program consists of three mentors and has already supported seven mentees. Working closely with the ECET department, Ibrahim hopes to expand the program and reach even more students in the coming semesters.

Addressing a Crucial Need

The SEP initiative was born out of a recognized need for guidance and support among engineering students. As coursework becomes more demanding and responsibilities increase, students often struggle to balance their academic, professional, and personal lives. “Students have to juggle classes, campus jobs, and extracurriculars, all while trying to secure internships or co-ops,” Ibrahim noted. “If they don’t find that balance early on, things only get harder in later years.”

For students in the ECET program, the workload can be particularly challenging. With rigorous courses in circuits, coding, signals, and advanced mathematics, finding time for career development is not always easy. The SEP program provides mentorship and reassurance, helping students stay on track and make informed decisions about their future.

A Passion for Engineering and Teaching

Ibrahim’s passion for engineering technology extends beyond his own academic pursuits. His love for analog circuits and hands-on learning played a significant role in his decision to pursue this field. “I love analog circuits. It is my No. 1 passion. Anything closely associated with that, I’ll be happy to do in my career,” he shared.

His enthusiasm for teaching and mentorship was inspired by his own experiences as a student. “During my second year, after I transferred into this college, I took Circuits 1 and was exposed to a very different environment. We had one TA and one professor for a 16-person lab, and those first TAs were great role models for me. So, the next semester, I became a lecture TA.”

This early experience as a teaching assistant fueled his desire to help others, ultimately leading to the creation of SEP. His approach to education and mentorship is deeply rooted in a philosophy that combines engineering expertise with a passion for teaching.

Looking Toward the Future

Ibrahim’s impact on his peers has been significant, with nearly 280 students benefiting from his mentorship and teaching assistant roles. His dedication to guiding and supporting fellow students has transformed from a side project into a core aspect of his personal and professional identity. His website features the phrase, “An electrical engineer by choice, and a teacher by heart,” a statement that encapsulates his approach to both fields.

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“Being able to have an impact on others’ college experiences provides so much joy,” Ibrahim said. “In that short amount of time, my role has transcended from just a student position to a hobby, my passion, and hopefully my future vocation. Our majors have countless different job roles and titles, so it is very important to share information and experiences.”

The engineering department has increasingly encouraged student-to-student mentorship, recognizing the value of peer guidance. Ibrahim sees this as a crucial element in helping students succeed. “We can share experiences of classes or co-ops; we can learn more about what we want to do and help other people,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ibrahim aspires to take his passion for teaching even further. “I’d also like to be a professor in higher education. I’d love to do that. That would be my dream goal.”

With his continued dedication to mentorship, education, and engineering, there is little doubt that Ibrahim’s influence will extend far beyond the SEP program. His work serves as an inspiration to students and faculty alike, demonstrating the power of peer support and the impact of a strong academic community. Through SEP and his many other endeavors, Ibrahim is not only shaping his own future but also helping to shape the careers of countless students following in his footsteps.