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Making the Most of Your Mentoring Relationship
Welcome to your mentoring journey. To get the best out of your experience, it’s important to set clear goals, manage your expectations, and maintain professional communication with your mentor. Below is some guidance on how to effectively work with your mentor in each of the three mentoring categories.
Setting Goals with Your Mentor
Setting goals is one of the most critical aspects of your mentoring partnership. Clear, realistic goals will help you and your mentor define the structure of your relationship, track progress, and ensure that both of you are aligned. One way to set your objectives is by using the SMART method—this helps to create goals that are:
Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal?
Attainable: Is this goal realistic given your current situation?
Relevant: How does this goal fit into your broader career aspirations?
Timebound: What is the deadline for achieving this goal?
Let’s look at how this method applies to the three types of mentoring available to you:
One-off Advice
If you’re seeking a one-off piece of advice, like help with your CV, interview prep, or career research, the interaction will likely be brief and focused. Here's how to make the most of it:
Be Prepared: Have a specific question or task in mind before you contact your mentor. For example, if you need help with your CV, send a draft beforehand so that your mentor can review it and provide feedback during your conversation.
Manage Expectations: One-off advice doesn’t mean ongoing communication. Be mindful of your mentor’s time and don’t ask for more unless they offer.
SMART Goal Example:
Specific: Improve my CV for a job in marketing.
Measurable: Receive feedback on layout and content.
Attainable: Mentor to review and suggest changes.
Relevant: A strong CV is key to landing an interview.
Timebound: Complete revision within 1 week.
Meeting-based Mentoring (Up to Three Meetings)
This type of mentoring allows for more in-depth conversations over two or three meetings. It’s great for career development or industry insights, but it’s still a time-limited commitment.
Set Clear Objectives: Before your first meeting, define what you want to achieve across all your sessions. Focus on specific areas where your mentor can provide the most value—whether it’s confidence building, career strategy, or industry knowledge.
Plan Ahead: Respect your mentor’s time by arriving prepared with questions or topics for discussion. After each meeting, create an action plan based on your mentor’s advice.
Be Mindful of Boundaries: Understand that the relationship is structured, and your mentor may not have capacity for more than the agreed number of meetings.
SMART Goal Example:
Specific: Learn how to transition from an administrative role to project management.
Measurable: Gain clarity on the steps to take within three meetings.
Attainable: The mentor will share their experiences and industry knowledge.
Relevant: This transition aligns with my long-term career goals.
Timebound: Complete the mentoring sessions within 6 weeks.
Employment Opportunities
In some cases, your mentor may be able to help you find internships, work experience, or even employment. These opportunities require both patience and professionalism.
Be Professional: Approach employment opportunities with the same level of professionalism you would use in a formal job application. Always follow up promptly and be respectful of your mentor’s role within their organisation.
Don’t Push: While your mentor may help open doors, it’s important not to assume that they will provide you with a job. These opportunities can take time, and mentors are under no obligation to offer roles.
SMART Goal Example:
Specific: Secure a summer internship in the finance industry.
Measurable: Apply to five internship opportunities, including one suggested by my mentor.
Attainable: My mentor will provide networking support and advice.
Relevant: This aligns with my goal to enter finance post-graduation.
Timebound: Applications to be submitted by the end of the month.
Managing Expectations
To maintain a productive and respectful mentoring relationship, it’s essential to manage expectations right from the start:
Set a Timeline: Whether it's one-off advice or a mentoring relationship with multiple meetings, agree on the number of sessions and timeline upfront.
Respect Boundaries: Remember that your mentor is volunteering their time. Avoid excessive follow-ups or extending the relationship beyond what was agreed.
Keep Communication Professional: Use secure and professional communication channels such as email or the mentoring platform. Always ask for consent before recording any conversations.