The secret of how to be a mentor is ... there is no secret.

The notion of guiding someone with advice and wisdom may be daunting, but many mentors will tell you the most important thing is to simply be available.

That's the advice from Hector Torres, MSTC '10 (right), who started a mentorship program through the McCombs Alumni Network specifically for master of science in technology commercialization alumni.

Torres, founder and managing director of Technology in Motion, LLC, started the initiative after his own experience being mentored by a fellow alumnus.

“When I first graduated from the MSTC program, I knew I needed a mentor,” Torres says. “I looked in the program offered through the McCombs portal and hooked up with a great mentor in Dallas. He was very nice and patient with me and his time made a big difference when I decided to start my own business. I felt that the least I could do was to help with others in the same situation I once found myself in. I didn’t want other people to commit the same mistakes I did.”

Torres shares his advice on what makes a successful mentoring relationship:

1. Be willing

Perhaps the most important characteristic of a successful mentor. Has a mentor helped you in your career? Take the time to do the same for someone else. "I believe in the value of networking and I think we all have experience and knowledge to share with others,” Torres says.

2. Examine your expertise

Torres benefitted from his McCombs alumni mentor, but also realized MSTC graduates might have more specific experiences and insight to share with students. “The need was evident and the expertise overwhelming,” says Torres.  “We just needed a way to link them together.”

3. Reach out to your communities

Alumni networks are a natural place to start, but also look at local organizations and professional groups for opportunities to mentor. Torres says that if you cannot find a mentorship program already in place, it is proof that it is time to start one on your own.

4. Share your experiences

Mentoring isn't just about answering questions. Your knowledge and expereince are valuable, so open up and share freely. “The more you give, the better you feel,” says Torres.

5. Think for yourself.

For the mentee, absorb as much as you can from your mentor, but don't follow blindly. “Don’t just do what your mentors tell you," Torres says. "Collect thoughts and make a decision. And don’t forget to mentor other people. We are all experts and rookies at some point.”

To access the MSTC alumni mentorship portal, visit the McCombs Alumni Career Resources website and follow the login instructions.