Develop Informal Mentorships and Finding Commonalities
Posted On Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at at 3:00 AM by Rosalie T. SchrautLeticia Rosa (University of Chicago) suggests you ask yourself what you were hoping to get out of your mentor relationship. Select one of the individuals you have networked with and invite them to lunch, have an informational interview with them and do other things as to complete your mentor relationship goals through that individual.
Jonathan Ogolo (Elon University) recommends that you find something that you have in common and talk about that topic to build relationships with your mentors. If you see them during their down time, strike up a conversation with them. Ask them to lunch. Finding common ground will take you a long way. Let them know you’re interested in them. Mike Gandy (Colgate University) suggests trying more creative ways to build a relationship, instead of just seeking your mentor’s advice when you have a problem. Find something you two have in common, like playing basketball or participation in the company’s upcoming philanthropic event, and find a time when you can both do that activity. Then when you're playing, you can bring up any questions that you have; and it seems like they're a friend, not just a mentor. Shalay Ward (Temple University) agrees that you should connect with your mentor via similarities you two share to get to know them better. This will lead to a better connection. Also know it’s okay to have more than one mentor.
Although your mentors probably have a busy schedule, you should be proactive and let your mentor know what is it that you expect to gain from having him/her as guidance. I also don't limit myself to having one mentor but I also seek other employees as mentors. For example one of the SVP's has informally accepted to be my mentor, at this stage of the internship she has given me books that have been influential in her career.