Getting the Most Out of Your Mentoring Relationship

The Scholars in Capitalism Studies program gives students the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with experienced professionals and leaders. Mentoring gives students access to knowledge beyond the classroom.  For mentors, it's an opportunity to encourage, challenge, and invest in the next generation of leaders. The best mentoring relationships begin with good conversations.  What follows are expectations, ideas, and pointers to help mentors and mentees get started.  Every mentoring relationship is different, so find what works best for you and enjoy the conversation!

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

●  Mentors and mentees must meet at least twice each semester.

●      Meetings may be in person, by phone, or via Zoom, whatever works best for both of you.

●  Mentees must take the lead in scheduling meetings and coming prepared with questions or topics.

●      Mentors and mentees are welcome to provide feedback to Dr. Elson and Dr. Dalton via email.

FOR MENTORS

Mentor Do's

●      Be curious. Share stories from your educational and professional journey.

●      Encourage students to think critically and explore new ideas. Feel free to recommend books, articles, podcasts, or other resources you enjoy.

●      Ask what they are learning and, whenever possible, offer your perspective.

●      Celebrate successes.

●      Keep meetings relaxed and conversational.

Mentor Don'ts

●      Don't hesitate to say I don't know.

●      Don't solve problems for your mentee. Help them think through challenges and arrive at their own conclusions.

●      Don't worry about time.  Sometimes quick conversations are as helpful as hour-long meetings.

●      Don't feel obligated to offer internships, jobs, or letters of recommendation.

FOR MENTEES

Mentee Do's

●      Schedule your meetings.

●      Prepare: come with questions or topics you'd like to discuss.

●      Share your goals, interests, and challenges.

●      Respect your mentor's time by being on time and communicating if plans change.

●      Mentoring is a conversation, not an interview. Be open to new ideas and perspectives, and follow up on advice that resonates with you.

●      Send a quick thank-you after your meetings.

Mentee Don’ts

●      Don't be afraid to say, 'I don't know,' or 'Can you explain that?'

●      Don't expect your mentor to solve problems or make decisions for you.

●      Don't cancel at the last minute unless you absolutely have to.

●      Don't use your phone during meetings unless you and your mentor are using it for a task.

●      Don't feel like every conversation has to be about careers.

●      Don’t Zoom into a meeting from a loud, distracting, or poorly lit environment and look professional.

Conversation Ideas for Mentees

●      What skills have been most valuable in your career?

●      What experiences best prepared you for your career?

●      Is there a piece of career or life advice you wish someone had given you in college?

●      What internships, research opportunities, or experiences would you recommend pursuing?

●      What does good leadership look like?

●      What drew you to the Scholars in Capitalism Studies program?

●      What are you reading right now that you'd recommend?

●      What questions about entrepreneurship, leadership, or public policy have been on your mind?

●      If you could have dinner with any economist, entrepreneur, philosopher, business leader, or historical figure, who would it be, and why?

●      What are you hoping to accomplish in the next three months?

●      How do you set goals and hold yourself accountable?

●      How did you build your professional network early in your career?

●      What's one networking tip you wish you had learned sooner?

●      How have mentors influenced your career, and what made those relationships valuable?

●      What's the best way for a student to make a positive first impression?

●      What qualities do you look for in someone who's just starting their career?

●      What professional habits helped you succeed early in your career?

●      How do you stay connected with people you've met professionally?

●      How can students make the most of internships, conferences, or networking events?

●      What's one mistake people often make when they're starting out professionally?

●      How do you balance following your interests with making practical career decisions?