TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MENTORING
As a mentee, actively engage in the mentoring process by setting clear goals, maintaining open communication, and being receptive to feedback. Your proactive and committed approach will help you maximize the benefits of the mentoring relationship.
Maximize your mentoring relationship
To get the most out of your mentoring relationship, it is essential that you discuss your learning objectives with your mentor. This will add focus to your meetings and provide you with a context for your mentoring relationship. Return to this plan frequently during your mentoring relationship.
- During your first meeting with your mentor initiate a discussion around your learning objectives.
- After your first meeting with your mentor, email your learning objectives to your mentoring coordinator.
- Prior to your last meeting with your mentor, review your learning objectives and reflect on what you have accomplished. Share your reflections with your mentor.
Mentors expect you to:
- Meet as often as originally agreed upon in October
- Ask for advice
- Initiate conversations and discussions
- Listen thoughtfully and update the mentor about results
- Keep confidentiality
- Be prepared for meetings
CULTIVATE A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE
Ask for advice
Be as specific as possible when asking for advice. Rather than relying on your mentor to tell you how you are doing, be an active mentee. An active mentee reflects on her own conduct, asks for feedback, analyses what she has done well, and looks for ways to improve and contribute more to the process.
Take the initiative
Don’t sit around and wait for your mentor to look after you. Initiate conversations, make requests, suggest activities, keep in contact, and take responsibility for your own commitments. Your mentor expects you to take the initiative!
Prepare in advance for meetings
Review your objectives for the mentoring program. Research the types of positions or industries you’re interested in. Develop questions to ask your mentor based on your goals and research.
Be courteous and respectful
Remember that your mentor is busy and is volunteering her time to assist you. Respect your mentor’s time by never being late for a meeting, and by replying to phone calls and e-mails promptly.
Make only positive or neutral comments about your mentor to others
If you believe you have a fundamental difference with your mentor, try to talk about it. If you continue to have problems, ask your Mentoring Program Coordinator for help.
Take the time to get to know your mentor
As you meet with your mentor, share information, and get to know each other, you will build trust and your exchanges will become easier. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself or your mentor.
Follow through on any commitments you make in a timely manner
Your mentor may make specific requests of you (e.g. bring a resumé or work sample to your next meeting for review). When the unexpected happens and you can’t follow through when you said you could, communicate this clearly, and as early as possible, to your mentor.
Acknowledge suggestions and advice
Ask clarifying questions and make specific requests for information and resources. Even if your mentor’s suggestion is not in line with your initial way of thinking, be open to your mentor’s ideas and take time to reflect on what you are being told. Show appreciation for the time and assistance given by your mentor. Mentors need encouragement and acknowledgement too!
Do your research
Research the types of positions or industries you’re interested in. Start by identifying the fields and roles that align with your skills, interests, and career goals. Utilize resources like industry reports, company websites, and job boards to understand job descriptions, required qualifications, and typical career paths.