Mentoring Resources | College of Business | SIU

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Mentoring Resources

Mentors

QUESTIONS TO ASK A MENTEE

  • What are your plans for your professional future?
  • Do you need help in learning how to network?
  • What kind of network would you like to develop?

Resource handouts from ACT Engage

Mentees

QUESTIONS TO ASK A MENTOR

Job Description

  • What is your job title?
  • What is your typical day on the job?
  • What percentage of each day do you spend in various work activities?
  • What is the title of the person to whom you report?
  • How free are you to do your work independently?
  • What types of problems are you likely to face during the day?
  • What are the most satisfying and the most frustrating parts of your work?

Advancement

  • How did you get to your current position?
  • What are the future trends and developments that you see affecting careers in your field?
  • What are the opportunities for advancement in your field?
  • What is a typical timeline for advancement?

Preparation

  • How did you prepare for this occupation?
  • What preparations do you recommend for a person entering this occupation?
  • What education/degrees/training/licenses are required?
  • What are the best places to go for additional education or training for a position like yours?
  • If you could start all over again in launching your career, what steps would you take?
  • What courses do you recommend taking for this occupation?

Lifestyle

  • What are the typical hours that your job requires?
  • Is travel a factor in this job?
  • What are the professional organizations in this field?
  • How do these organizations serve their members?
  • What are the pressures that you face?
  • How does this occupation affect your private life?
  • What is expected of you outside of working hours?
  • Is there a formal mentor program set up in your workplace?

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

Become Acquainted

  • Discuss your backgrounds and get to know each other.
  • Discuss your goals for the relationship.
  • Discuss the mentee’s career interests and goals.

Career Conversations

  • Discuss and list the mentee’s talents, skills, and interests.
  • Discuss how the mentor’s personal and professional life fit together.
  • Read a book related to your field of interest and discuss it.
  • Discuss the mentor’s educational background and the role of educational preparation in your field.
  • Discuss organizational types and cultures.
  • Search the Internet together for job resources and other information related to your field.
  • Discuss how individual work values impact career choices.
  • Discuss a current event or issue in your field.
  • Visit/discuss a variety of work environments.
  • Discuss the professional standards that exist in your field.
  • Discuss the transition from school to work.
  • Go out to lunch or dinner and discuss proper business etiquette.
  • Discuss “office politics.”

Career Observation

  • Participate in a company tour, if appropriate.
  • Attend a professional meeting or program together.

Resume/Interview Exercises

  • Critique the mentee’s resume and cover letter.
  • Assist the mentee in completing a job application packet, portfolio, etc.
  • Practice an informational interview.
  • Practice a job interview.

Back to School

  • Attend a campus lecture, concert, or sporting event together.
  • Invite the mentor to attend one of your classes.
  • Investigate career-related student clubs.

Creating Professional Networks

  • Compile a list of contacts the mentee could meet with in your field.

College and University Directory of Support Resources

Mentoring Resources taken from: https://business.illinois.edu/mentoring/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2014/08/Business-Alumni-Mentors-Program-Handbook-rev.-8-17-11.pdf