Throughout this book we’ve talked about the importance of finding and using personal supports, and in this chapter we explored the value of having a mentor (both in college and at work) who can provide information, advice, guidance, and feedback to help you grow. In some cases these relationships can last a lifetime and become extremely meaningful to both the mentor and his or her protégé. This activity will walk you through the steps you can take to connect with an academic or a professional mentor.
To begin, reflect on what you’re looking for in a mentoring relationship by answering these questions:
Once you’ve identified someone you respect and admire, do your homework: Read your potential mentor’s vita, which describes this person’s accomplishments and experience, as well as any articles he or she has written or blogs he or she maintains. Request an initial meeting — something informal — where you get to know this person better. You can suggest meeting at his or her office or even for coffee. When you set up the meeting, provide details — how you learned about this person, what you know about him or her, what you respect and admire about him or her, and the fact that you’re seeking advice and guidance.
Keep your meeting to less than an hour. During that time, be prepared to talk in more depth about the details you provided when setting up the meeting.
At the end of the meeting, if you feel this person would be a good mentor for you, ask him or her to serve that role. Be sure to define what you think a mentor is and does and describe how you see this person fitting into that role. In addition, describe your time commitments and ask about your potential mentor’s availability, keeping in mind that a little negotiation may need to take place. If this person doesn’t have time to mentor you, thank him or her for agreeing to meet and ask if there is someone else who you could speak to. If this person agrees to mentor you, be sure to outline your expectations and ask about your mentor’s expectations as well.
Finally, take care to follow through and sustain the mentoring relationship by making good use of your mentor’s support and expressing how much you appreciate the help. When the mentoring relationship ends, be sure to provide a more formal thank you such as a card or e-mail letting your mentor know how he or she impacted your development and your career path.