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Why have a mentor?
- Learn about an industry and/or organization by talking to a professional within.
- Gain insight into the day-to-day work of a professional in a field or functional discipline of interest.
- Obtain knowledge that helps define internships and career goals.
- Explore specific corporate career paths with someone in the work force.
- Have a confidant you can talk to about your concerns or ideas.
- Receive guidance, advice, and encouragement in issues like career planning, conducting a job search, balancing work and family, or being a woman in the professional work force.
- Gain access to networking opportunities through events planned by students and mentors.
- Understand the relevance of academic studies to the business world.
What makes a good protégé?
- Prepares questions prior to meetings to maximize the use of the mentor’s time. If the student wishes to terminate the relationship, he / she does so courteously and promptly so that another student can take that slot.
- Is considerate of the fact that mentors are busy professionals who are donating valuable time and limits questions to those that are professional rather than personal.
- Respects that some communication with the mentor might be professionally sensitive and should not be repeated.
- Understands that the mentor’s schedule may prevent him / her from being available at the time or in the mode that they desire.
- Proactively suggests ways in which he/she can benefit from the relationship.
Student’s Role and Responsibility
- Initiate contact with the assigned mentor.
- Continue to communicate with the mentor on a regular basis.
- Understand the mentor’s expectations of him / her.
- Explore opportunities presented by the mentor.
- Thank the mentor for his / her time regularly.
Do’s and Don’ts
- DO keep appointments with your mentor and be punctual.
- DO invite your mentor to campus for open executive lectures and other events.
- DO openly receive feedback from your mentor without becoming defensive.
- DO maintain trust and confidentiality.
- DO contact your mentor in the manner you and the mentor establish collectively (i.e., phone calls at home or work, work e-mail or personal e-mail, etc.)
- DON’T ask for or expect your mentor to provide a job or internship!
- DON’T neglect contacting your mentor.
How to select a mentor
What do you want out of a mentor relationship? Do you want industry insight? Help with career options? General guidance?
- Look through the mentor book and find 3 potential mentors who may be a good match for you.
- Bring these names to the MBA Career Services office. A staff member will contact the potential mentors to make sure they have adequate time to serve as a mentor at this time and to ensure that they are not currently acting as a mentor to another student.
- Once the mentor has confirmed, the student will be responsible for setting his / her goals for the relationships prior to initiating contact with the mentor.
- Some items to consider addressing in the first discussion might include:
- Frequency of meetings
- Means of communication
- Mentoring activities
- Appropriate/inappropriate boundaries (times not to call, etc.)
- Student’s goals for the relationship
Suggested activities for mentors and students.
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