Five Tips for Meaningful Mentorship

Mentorship can initially seem daunting. It might feel like there's no one willing or available to guide you. However, that's not the case. As a fourth-year student, I've made networking a priority, especially during the pandemic. I'd like to share five valuable tips for establishing connections that can evolve into meaningful mentorship relationships. 

1. Set Yourself Up for Success

The field of communications is bustling and as you advance in your career, the chances of connecting with professionals in Calgary are high. Make sure you're creating opportunities for networking by:

• Attending your class guest lectures (we know you won't skip them but just a reminder).

• Participate in networking events and workshops aligned with your interests.

• Engage your professors in conversations about your interests. In our niche PR program, many instructors have recent or current industry experience and a 15-minute meeting can go a long way.

2. Make a Memorable First Impression

After encountering someone you want to meet with, take these steps:

• Send a personalized note and connection request on LinkedIn promptly. Quick follow-up within hours of the meeting demonstrates your appreciation and genuine interest.

• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is well-crafted, enabling them to recall you. This turns your message into a "warm call" rather than a "cold call."

3. Prepare for Productive Meetings

When a meeting is scheduled, come prepared with questions:

• Research the individual, primarily using LinkedIn and compile five questions to guide your conversation. These questions provide structure while allowing room for organic discussions. Be ready to pivot if a different topic sparks the conversation and use your established questions to steer it back if it veers off track.

4. Foster Ongoing Relationships

Building relationships is crucial:

• Don't limit interactions to one-off encounters; schedule regular meetings. Just like any relationship, you get out what you put in. This could involve asking for assignments or recommended readings for discussion.

5. Embrace Vulnerability

While sharing your successes is valuable, true mentorship thrives when you're open about your challenges:

• Ask meaningful questions and share your hesitations, issues, or struggles with a topic. This allows your mentor to understand your needs and meet you where you are.

In the dynamic world of communications, effective networking can lead to invaluable mentorship. Actively pursue connections, demonstrate your genuine interest and remain open to both giving and receiving guidance. Have more questions? Shoot me an email at gcurl291@mtroyal.ca!