You are not ultimately responsible for your mentee’s career decision; your role is to open up possibilities and help guide him or her to make realistic decisions.
Be fully present in the conversation. Make eye contact and ask follow-up questions to let the mentee know they are being heard.
Understanding your mentee’s perspectives, experiences, culture and dreams will help you be a better support for them. Saying “I understand” or “Help me understand how you feel” lets the mentee know you care about his or her opinion.
Using positive humor and creating “inside jokes” can help a mentee relate to you. This helps build trust and makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.
Share your life experiences, the education and training your received, and the opportunities they afforded. Answer questions honestly and in a productive manner.
Respect the culture, values, customs, practices, and history of your mentee’s family. Different cultures and ethnic groups may have different values regarding employment, education, and training. As questions and be open to learning about your mentee’s traditions.