An administrative internship is the capstone experience for educational leadership preparation programs. It is a time when interns, under the guidance of a seasoned mentor and university supervisor, are immersed in real-world activities. An important part of such placements is selecting the most qualified mentors. This study was designed to determine what interpersonal and professional characteristics and selection processes are perceived as important when selecting the ideal mentor. The findings indicate that Alabama and North Carolina interns differ very little when it comes to the best characteristics for identifying their ideal mentors. (Contains 6 tables.)