Break the Ice: 10 Questions for Mentees to Ask Mentors
So you’ve got the first meeting with your mentor on the calendar, but what are earth are you going to talk about for an hour?
It’s often best to begin the conversation getting to know the person as an individual before talking shop. You can learn about that more here, but once you’ve discussed their world travels or the antics of your five cats, here are 10 questions to learn more about their job as a business professional.
And please, always write a thank-you note after a mentor takes time out of their day to help you in your career endeavors. (Pro tip: Walmart still sells stamps for that handwritten snail mail.)
Questions for Mentees to Ask Mentors
What is a typical day like for you?
How achievable is work/life balance in this job position?
Who are the top players (businesses) in your field?
Do you know of any volunteer opportunities or internships that I can look into?
What specific skills or personality traits are necessary to do this job? Which ones are major benefits?
Are there any professional organizations, helpful resources, or other opportunities I can look into for further learning about the profession?
How can I network with other professionals in this field?
Is a college degree a requirement to get a job in this field? What other options might exist?
Do you have any job interview tips to help me succeed at breaking into the industry?
Are there any cross-department skills that people with your job title are expected to know (e.g. design, strong writing, specific software acumen, technology, etc.)?