Mentor FAQ
What is a mentor and why should I have one?
- A mentor is a teacher, coach, and guide. A mentor is
someone you respect and with whom you have a rapport.
- Mentors provide you with important career information so that you
can make more informed decisions about the world of work.
- Mentors help you to understand the networking process as you
interact with professionals in the world of work.
What are the benefits of knowing a mentor?
- To link or connect you with a professional that represents an
occupation that you would like to pursue.
- To provide you with career information that would help you to
make more informed decisions about programs of study and occupations.
- To help you to begin the networking process with professionals in the
world of work.
How do I obtain a mentor?
- Once your mentor has made contact, please make every effort
to respond in a reasonable time.
- Please be prepared with your questions for your mentor.
Remember your mentor is a volunteer and is
giving his/her time for your benefit.
- Be friendly and sincere. Share with your mentor your career
goals and experiences.
- You may wish to continue your contact with your mentor through
e-mail, telephone, or personal/group meetings.
- Please remember the primary role of a mentor is to provide
information. It is not intended to be used as a network for job
placement or other gratuities.
- Once your mentee has made contact, please make every effort to
respond in a reasonable timeframe.
- Be friendly and sincere. Emphasize to your students that you have
volunteered for the project and that you are really interested in them.
- Encourage your mentee to be open. Let them know when they can contact
you. Have them share their goals and experiences.
- Some suggestions for local alumni/student contacts include meeting
for coffee to chat and exchange calenders; if your work place allows,
invite your mentee to attend a business meeting, or have him/her
accompany you on the rounds; make a committment to e-mail or
telephone on a regular basis.
- Recommend books or other resources which have been useful to you in
your career.
- Be aware that your mentee may be undecided as to career goals, and
is searching for information only related to your chosen profession.
As such, their contact with you may be limited to that first meeting only.
- Your role is to provide the student with information. It is not to
provide the student with job placement or other gratuities.
- Refer to the enclosed questions on this site that may help the student
address his/her career direction.