Students who have participated in ATA's University Programs have cited the relationship with their mentor or manager as one key to having a productive and enjoyable experience. Each student works for a department manager and is also assigned a mentor to oversee projects and work assignments.

The ATA manager is ultimately responsible for the work accomplished by the co-op student or intern as well for the end of term evaluation, but the mentor is available to assist with day-to-day questions as the job progresses.

The majority of work assignments usually come from the student's mentor who is both technically experienced in the student's assignment and trained in mentor-student relationships.

ATA's ultimate goal is for each student to have a positive experience and a desire to return to ATA as a full-time employee.