Tips for Mentees
Reflect on your goals for the relationship
Think carefully about what you want out of the mentoring relationship, what kind of mentor you’d like and the questions you’d like answered. The more you know about your own goals, the more accurately you'll select a mentor to work with from our database, and the more your mentor will be able to help you.
Don’t get discouraged
Sometimes it may take several requests before you get a mentor match. If a mentor does not accept your request it is most often because the mentor realizes that they are too busy or they feel it wouldn’t be a good match. Remember, there are many mentors in our database, so you have lots of options.
Jump straight in
Once your mentor accepts your request, try to contact them within two days to get your mentoring partnership underway. Keeping in regular contact will help you make the most of the experience.
Establish expectations and goals
At the beginning, take some time to establish expectations. Do you want career or personal advice? How often, when and where do you want to meet? Once you and your mentor set the expectations, try to stick to them. If things need to change, make the time and space to discuss it and establish how you'll move forward. Share with your mentor what you hope to learn or gain from the relationship. Our Goal Tracker (in your relationship dashboard) and Mentoring Agreement (in your To-Do List) can be very helpful in this process.
Be proactive
If your mentor hasn’t responded to you in awhile, don’t be shy about emailing or calling again. Remember, your mentor signed up for the program because of their interest in mentoring. If you don’t hear after several attempts, contact the Industry Mentoring Program team so we can follow up on your behalf.
Seek feedback
Mentors are experienced and have much to teach you about being a professional and succeeding in the world beyond Griffith. If your mentor has feedback for you, be receptive to it – if they haven't offered you feedback, ask for some!
Make it personal
Be sure to get to know your mentor on a personal level. While mentors have a great deal of career expertise to share, you can learn a lot from their personal stories as well.
Keep it consistent
Set regular meetings and try to stick with your schedule as much as possible. Carving out the time in advance means fewer barriers to all the great learning and opportunity this Program can offer you. When the unexpected happens and you and your mentor can't catch up as aplanned, aim to get back on track as soon as possible. Even if you can’t make contact with your mentor very often, try to keep your communication with them consistent (i.e. email them every couple of weeks).
Let us help
If you ever get stuck trying to find a mentor or need help with the mentoring relationship, contact the Industry Mentoring Program staff.