We believe mentors are a critical component to career success and just finished matching mentors with members of our first year full-time MBA class. I am excited that we have such talented mentors volunteering their time to work with our students. Over the years I have observed the significant impact these relationships can have on our students and their careers.
Mentors can provide valuable advice, counsel, advocacy and networking assistance. They can be a valuable career resource. Family and friends may want to help but they often lack experience in the field we are targeting and more importantly, they are not objective. They can’t always provide the constructive and objective perspective that is needed. Professional mentors can provide support, encouragement and career-related guidance while identifying and maximizing networking and career exploration opportunities.
Most business professionals seek a mentor with more experience so they can learn from their experience or a mentor in a field they aspire to work in. Open, honest communication is critical to a successful networking partnership. Being clear about goals of the relationship and agreeing up front on the frequency and mode of communication builds a strong foundation for the relationship.
It is not your mentor’s responsibility to find you a job. You can explore career goals, seek networking contacts and request advice but do not ask your mentor for a job. If they offer, it’s fine but the goal of the relationship is to gain advice and insight
Guidelines we share with students to maximize their mentor relationship include the following:
- Be considerate of your mentor’s time. Return phone calls promptly and arrive on time for meetings.
- Seriously consider all advice you receive.
- Show evidence that you have utilized the assistance they offer.
- Show appreciation for any and all assistance provided.
- Be open to constructive feedback and seek it whenever possible. Do not be defensive. Be open to all feedback and learn from it. Seek feedback often.
- Assume the relationship will be strictly professional. Let the mentor take the lead in making it more personal if desired.
- Say thank you often. Let your mentor know how they are making a difference for you.
- Look for opportunities to give back -share a relevant article, offer to assist with a new technology, refer a qualified candidate, etc.
Possible goals for a mentoring partnership may include:
- Expanding my professional network
- Clarifying my development focus
- Enhancing knowledge of key functions and industries of interest
- Understanding organizational politics
- Receiving feedback on critical skills for development
- Testing ideas in a safe environment
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