Career Prep 2009 Summer Blog

Leanna Pearson at Spelman suggests it is important to find common interests with your mentor. She will be working this summer with someone who has an MBA in precisely the same area she wants to get her MBA in. And so this is exciting for her as she can talk to him about his education and learn more about his experience. Keisha Frazier at Stanford builds on this idea further to say the common interests will help you develop the relationship naturally- try to go out for coffee or lunch with the person- at work ask questions about their projects and offer to help- and build up to questions about their tenure with the company, their career trajectory, etc.

Autumn Howard at UGA says it is important to be real and sincere in the relationship. Your mentor can catch on if that is not the case. Also try to build a relationship that is about more than just business. Autumn is spot on when she points out that this doesn't mean that you talk to them like they are your buddy- it is more about connecting with the person and knowing you can get honest advice from them with your best interest at heart! Charlie Neiman from Duke also reiterates the importance of being real in the mentoring relationship- but he also says it is important to be relaxed and enjoy getting to know the person. However you should always treat your mentor with tremendous respect. And be appreciative of the time they are investing in you.