Mentoring Guide

While 76% of people say that mentors are important, only 37% actually have one. This percentage is even lower for women and minority populations. Meeting the perfect mentor can be a scary and daunting process. But you can take advantage of plenty of strategies and foolproof ways to build a mentor-mentee relationship.

A mentor acts as your cheerleader and career guide, encouraging you to seek new opportunities and navigate work challenges. Whether transitioning to a new role or project, they provide valuable perspective. Typically, mentors are experienced individuals in your industry or a desirable role, often at least a level ahead of you in their career track.

1. Reflect on your career goals and your goals for mentorship: Are they something you would like to discuss with an individual? Or something that may require larger networks? 
2. Identify your needs (hard skills vs soft skills): Before contacting mentors, clarify your needs. Are you seeking to improve "hard” skills like software proficiency, or develop “soft” skills such as leadership and communication?
3. Consider people you admire and start with your network: List admired individuals and consider the skills and experiences that interest you. Begin with your current network: Are there people in your life who could be impactful mentors?
4. Request a meeting: Once you have decided on a potential mentor, go ahead and reach out to start the conversation.
5. Explore other options: While you're waiting to hear back, explore other mentorship options, like connecting with mentors on Terrapins Connect!

Here’s a sample email to get you started:

1. Share one or two things you admire about their work (show you’ve done your research).
2. Tell them a little about yourself and why you’re reaching out.
3. Share what you would like to learn from them.
4. Wrap it up with a reasonable ask.

• Set a goal: Establish a mentor-mentee relationship with a goal, such as seeking feedback on a project or brainstorming a business idea. 
• Be open to feedback: Feedback is one of the greatest things you can take from mentorship. Go into your conversations with an open mind.
• Meet regularly: Strong mentor-mentee relationships are sustained. Meeting more than once is important, but weekly or monthly meetings aren’t necessary. If the first meeting is successful, ask to meet again. Clearly state your expectations, and inquire about formalizing the mentorship.
• Handle the logistics, take notes and provide an agenda: Manage the relationship by initiating conversations, sending the Zoom link or setting the meeting place, and determining the discussion topic. Share questions or an agenda in advance for more fruitful meetings. Take notes and reflect on your conversations afterward.
• Send updates and practice gratitude: Share updates about promotions or project milestones to your mentor! This keeps you top of mind. Practice gratitude by expressing thanks for their support.

All this have you a bit stressed? You can learn more about how to bust myths about mentorship here.

The best mentorship pairings are ones that are honest and rooted in a personal and professional relationship. Meetings that feel transactional or forced suggest that you may not have the right mentor.

GOOD LUCK!