Mentors.

1.  Ask how you can help.  The best way to find out what types of resources, advice and support will help your mentee is to ask them at the beginning of your session. 

• Example:
  -What do you need the most guidance with while achieving your professional goals?
  -How can I help you to achieve your goals?

2. Set clear goals. Help your mentee clarify what they want to gain from this experience. 

• What is the biggest obstacle holding you back from achieving your goals?

• What do you hope to gain/clarify/learn by the end of this mentorship round?

• Use SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) to establish benchmarks for success

• Make sure mentee and mentor goals are aligned.

3. Be aware of speaking time. How much time are you talking vs. your mentee? You should be asking questions and getting them thinking.

4.  Open doors. Introducing your mentee to appropriate contacts in your network for an informational interview is a great way to provide value.

5. Be encouraging. Changing careers can be scary, so it’s important to empathize and listen nonjudgmentally to your mentee.

Mentees.

1.  Be prepared. Check your mentor’s LinkedIn page to get an understanding of their background and career.

2.  Prepare questions in advance.  Go beyond questions that can be found online and think about what type of advice would be the most helpful for you in your transition.

3. Ask for referrals and resources. Your mentor may have connections who could give you additional perspectives, online courses or graduate programs that are well regarded, or groups and professional organizations that are worth joining.