Q. What types of things will I be doing with my mentor?
A. Your mentor will probably meet you for coffee, lunch or after work drinks. You may attend a networking event or industry program. Also, be sure to tell your mentor if you have an interest in a particular field; he or she may be able to introduce you to a colleague in the area. Depending on their office, mentors may invite you to spend part of a day with them. This is a great opportunity to view the field from a new perspective.
Q. What should we discuss?
To help your mentor get to know you, tell him or her about your past jobs and what you'd like to do in the future. Some things your mentor will be able to help you with include:
- Tips for networking
- Job search tips
- Good lists/groups to engage with
- Professional associations they find helpful
- Career planning advice
Q. How often should we meet?
A. This is really up to the pair. However, you will find the program most rewarding if you keep open lines of communication. Even if you don't meet regularly, make sure you e-mail or call and keep each other up to date.
Q. How long should I plan to participate in the program?
A. To facilitate building a meaningful relationship, the Council suggests committing to one year.
Q. Will the Council provide any additional guidance?
A. Periodically, a Council staff person will contact each mentor pair to see how things are progressing. For more information on how to make the most of this program, please view our mentee tip sheet. Also, please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions.
Ashley Mancheni
Program Assistant
202.721.0911 | email