Student story
How mentors helped Dormly place second at Big Idea
Zach Dupree and three other computer science students built Dormly, a software startup, for the 2025 Big Idea Competition. Sean Randleman of Caterpillar mentored the team on the business side, and Jim Foley coached their pitch. Dormly finished second.
Zach Dupree ’26
Computer Science
Why join
What a mentor can help you with
One-on-one advice
Your mentor is a Bradley graduate who knows the university and has made the kinds of decisions you’re facing now, so the advice fits your situation.
A wider network
Your mentor can introduce you to other alumni and professionals in their field, which can lead to internships and jobs. Those connections stay with you after you graduate.
Career planning
Get practical help choosing a career path, preparing for a job search or deciding whether graduate school is right for you.
Startups and side projects
Get advice on launching or growing a startup, side business or other project, or on building entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets before you have an idea.
What students say
My team created a startup called Shift. At the suggestion of my professor, Dr. Hashimoto, we reached out to Norman Understein to serve as our mentor for the Big Idea Innovation Expo. From the beginning, Norman was extremely helpful by guiding us on focusing on the target market, clearly articulating the problem we solve, demonstrating why our solution was the best customer option, and even securing a provisional patent. Norman treated Shift like a real business with long-term potential. Thanks to his guidance, we placed 10th overall in the Big Idea Competition. We never would have made it as far as we did or turned our idea into something that could actually become a legitimate business without his mentorship.
During the 2025 Big Idea Competition, our venture, Dormly Software, LLC, met Sean Randleman, who became our mentor. We had a technical vision, but struggled with the nuances of business writing and financials. Our Mentor’s constructive feedback helped us bridge the gaps in our idea, and was instrumental in our second place finish. Sean brought industry experience that we simply did not have as students.
How to get a mentor
-
Fill out the interest form
Give us your name and email and choose the role you want with BradleyBridge. It takes about a minute.
-
Hear from the BradleyBridge team
We’ll email you with next steps.
-
Get matched and start meeting
You’re matched with a mentor based on your field of study and goals. Agree on a schedule and start talking.
Mentee expectations
What to expect once you’re matched
Free and confidential
Mentoring costs nothing, however many times you meet, and what you talk about with your mentor stays between the two of you.
Meeting
Meet online or in person, whichever works for both of you. You’ll get the most out of it by meeting regularly over time rather than once.
If you haven’t heard back
If you haven’t connected with a mentor within two weeks of signing up, email bradleybridge@bradley.edu.
Your part
Mentors are volunteers. Keep the meetings you schedule, or tell your mentor ahead of time if something changes, and come prepared, including any follow-up your mentor suggested last time. Your mentor will advise you, but the work on your plans is yours.
What mentors don’t do
Mentors don’t provide funding, legal advice or accounting services. They can often point you to someone who does.
Questions from students
Is BradleyBridge for all Bradley students?
Yes. It’s open to every current Bradley student, in any major or year. Students use it to explore careers, prepare for graduate school, grow a side business or just get advice.
How do I find a mentor who understands my goals?
After you fill out the interest form and complete your profile, matches become available to you.
How much time does it take?
It’s up to you and your mentor. Most students meet with their mentor once or twice a month.
Can I switch mentors?
Yes. If the match isn’t the right fit, you can ask for a new one at any time.
What if I’m not sure what I’m looking for yet?
That’s fine. Many students start with general career questions, and your mentor can help you work out your goals over time. Still have questions? Contact bradleybridge@bradley.edu.
Ready to meet a mentor?
Fill out the interest form and the BradleyBridge team will be in touch about a mentor.