Mentor Information & Application

Become a Mentor

Qualities of a good mentor:

• Has achieved success in the industry
• Has relevant expertise or knowledge
• Is willing to share personal experiences
• Is invested in mentees' growth and development
• Is able to ask powerful questions and give honest feedback
• Is empathetic, encouraging, respectful, and supportive
• Demonstrates integrity and reliability

Mentorship Best Practices

What does being a Mentor entail? 

• Mentorship is a collaborative relationship aimed at providing support, sharing knowledge and fostering professional growth.  Both Mentors and Mentees should benefit and learn something new from this experience. 


How to have a successful mentorship experience: 


It is critical that the relationship with your Mentee is built upon mutual respect, clear expectations, and intentional engagement.   



Defining Roles: 

▪ Mentor – Serve as an advisor and role model, offering guidance based on their work and life experience.  Mentors should encourage Mentees to take ownership of their professional development, while providing unbiased input and fresh perspectives. 

▪ Mentee – A “junior” professional who wants to grow professionally.  Mentees should share honestly, proactively seek guidance and actively engage in the process. 

▪ Co-Mentoring – Both parties bring value to and can learn from the relationship.  Collaboration and active listening are fundamental to Co-Mentoring in order for each person to feel respected and fulfilled. 


Key Activities: 

1. Set up first mentorship session & provide framework (see below). 

2. Provide insight, guidance, alternate perspectives, constructive feedback and encourage “stretch” thinking & action. Guiding or thought-provoking questions are often a great way to get to the stretch thinking. 

3. Bring the 5 C’s: 

• Care 
• Connect 
• Contribute
• Coach
• Congratulate 

4. Build a strong connection with active listening, honest sharing and investing time in getting to know your Mentee on a professional and personal level and allowing them to know and trust you as well. 

Framework: 



1st Session: 

▪ Send meeting invite with a few words of introduction and excitement. 
▪ Review Mentee information and make notes for session. 
▪ Create an agenda: 

Setting mutual expectations: 
▪ Mutual Trust & Confidentiality 
▪ Open & honest Communication in both directions 
▪ Respect of one another’s time 
▪ Respect of one another’s perspectives 
▪ Reminder that it is ok to feel all the things, from tears to laughter 

Setting expectations of yourself: 
▪ Your intentions 
▪ A brief overview of your journey 
▪ Areas where you may be of most value to the Mentee 
▪ What Mentee can expect from you 

Setting expectations of your Mentee 
▪ Deep dive their goals 
▪ Overview of their journey or current scenario 
▪ What they hope to get out of this relationship 

Establish Parameters 
▪ Session duration and regularity 
▪ Mentee to schedule all future sessions (provide mentor availability/parameters) 
▪ Planned duration of Mentorship relationship 

Following Sessions: 

▪ Continue taking notes during sessions. 
▪ Create formal or informal agendas. 
▪ Follow up on any action items given or open thought-provoking questions. 
▪ Check in on new issues, concerns or ideas. 
▪ Remember to encourage and congratulate! 

Between sessions – jot down notes, thoughts and things to share for the next session. 

Potential Session Topics:

• Work/Life Balance
• Career Progression
• Identifying Allies & Advocates 
• Goal Setting 
• Networking
• Personal Development

Become a Mentor