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Suggested Activities for Mentors and Students
Most mentors and students are not sure of what to do to have a successful mentor relationship. We have compiled a list of ideas that may help you start your mentor activities. While many of these activities require meeting in person, a successful relationship can also be built through phone calls and email dialogues.
- Career and Personal Development
- Discuss the student's immediate and long term career goals.
- Review the student's resume.
- Give students role playing activities for certain situations, (i.e. mock interview)
- Tips for career development, job search strategy, decision-making or networking
- Offer feedback on course assignments
- Company/Industry
- Offer students a plant or company tour.
- Provide an opportunity to "shadow" the mentor for a day.
- Discuss industry specifics or company culture issues that may have career implications
- Invite the student to attend a meeting with you at your organization.
- Suggest additional training that will have practical application within an industry
- Ask for the student's input on an important topic at your work location.
- Discuss desired attributes of candidates for a particular industry, function or firm
- Recommend professional associations or conferences
- Involve the student in project.
- Share experiences
- Share with the student the ups and downs of your own career.
- General advice or personal perspective regarding occupational issues of interest
- Discuss mentor relationships you have benefited from in the past.
- Networking
- Introduce students to other professionals.
- Suggest contacts for internship positions.
- Provide networking opportunities with people outside of your company.
- Invite the student to an industry sponsored event or a business related social function.
- Social Events
- Participate in sports activities (golf, jogging, tennis).
- Meet for coffee / lunch / dinner.
- Attend sporting event together.
- Meet at an MBA sponsored alumni cocktail party.
- Other Ideas
- Come to campus and attend a class.
- Serve as a sounding board for new business ideas.
- Discuss geographic and work-life balance considerations
- Suggest reading materials such as trade magazines, books, or articles.
Remember, these are just some suggestions—be creative!!
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