The following tips are designed to help mentors provide incredible value to students (mentees).
- Your mentee might be a bit intimidated or nervous at the start. Try to put them at ease.
- Remember to schedule a few minutes to prepare before a meeting, as well as review previous notes.
- Try and uncover some common interests, such as sports, places you’ve traveled, movies, and music.
- Be open and share. Talk about your successes and failures.
- Listen patiently. It’s hard in the fast paced world to listen carefully, but make a concerted effort.
- Be constructive. It’s important to provide critical feedback, but do it kindly and temper criticism with praise when deserved.
- Be open to learning from your mentee. Learning is a two way street.
- If appropriate, share your networks or contacts.
- At the end of each meeting, summarize your discussion and confirm the next meeting or step.
- Enjoy the mentoring experience.
These tips were provided by our friends at MentorEase.