Advice > Professional Networking > What You Give and What You Get

What You Give and What You Get

A mentor is not going to land you a cushy job. She may provide you with contacts to help, but her responsibilities are more personal and concrete.

She's a role model, a success you're aiming to emulate. She can teach you business behavior and skills, from how to talk to clients to how to dress to impress.
She's a fountain of information, from names of contacts for networking to certification and skills you should pursue.
She's a sounding board, someone to hear your ideas and critique them honestly.
She's a champion, ready to suggest you for promotion or a new job.
She's a counselor, open to listening to your concerns and prepared to help you get past them.
She's a caution, warning you of pitfalls and problems.
She's a teacher, instructing you in the ways of your industry and the business world.
She's an entrée to other professionals in your chosen field. If you're lucky, she's an example for your personal and professional growth.

You'll need to be open and receptive, and ready to work for the benefits you expect to gain.

Before you start, make your goals and objectives clear. Be flexible because they are likely to change, but you don't want to waste a mentor's time by making her dredge your ideas out of you.
Be willing to listen.
Be ready to share willingly with your mentor. Your admiration will be a plus for her; your honest assessment of her help for you will be an aid for her future mentoring.
Be positive. Enter the mentor relationship convinced that it will be good for both of you. If you go into it doubting the purpose, you may as well stay home.
Be considerate. Don't waste your time or hers. Be punctual, friendly but not chatty or gossipy, and give the session your entire concentration.
Be aware that this is a two-way relationship. What will your mentor get from you? Several things:
- She'll gain skills as a listener and a teacher.
- She'll learn from your experiences and pass those things on to others.
- You'll give her a new perspective on the company or industry as a whole.