Mentoring – What to Expect as a Mentee

Last month I wrote about some of the expectations of mentors, and shared some suggestions for getting the most of the mentoring relationship, as a mentor. This month I explore the topic from the mentee’s point of view. Full disclosure, while I have had some limited experience as a mentee myself; it was a long, long time ago, and was much more focussed on technical expertise and procedures. I have attempted to augment my own mentee experiences with discussions with my own mentees.

Similar to the mentor’s perspective, a productive mentoring relationship requires a commitment of time and energy to be successful. Recognize that your mentor may be taking valuable time away from their business. Respect that time, and please always notify the people involved if you have to reschedule. Life happens, and sometime we have to switch gears and adjust, but please don’t be a no-show.
You only get out of a relationship what you put into it. Some of my mentees have been (pleasantly) surprised that I suggested detailed research tasks, mock-up job applications and practice interviews as part of their job hunting activities – and didn’t just give out job leads. The path to your success is really within you – and a mentor will simply help you explore that path yourself, not provide a guided tour and a detailed map.

Especially at the start of your career, or as part of a major transition; the tasks of looking for a job, filling out numerous applications, sweating through interviews, facing rejections is stressful and very time consuming. Chances are you may face multiple rejections and ghosting by potential employers before you get accepted for the right position. I always advise my mentees to learn from the negative responses, to stay positive, try to eat healthy, get some sleep and some exercise. It’s vital that you take care of your mental and physical well being, in spite of the stresses of job hunting.

Your mentor should be providing guidance, and (if requested) advice pertinent your career goals and mentorship objectives. You shouldn’t expect, nor ask for, professional references, job leads, or resume review service. Some or all of these items may, at some point, be offered by a mentor; but that is up to the mentor.

Generally speaking, most mentors are here to provide advice on career paths, education choices, job hunting tips, etc. Unless it is specifically requested, and mutually agreeable, it shouldn’t be about job training, technical expertise, or providing professional consulting advice. That type of professional guidance is best left to employers and specialized trainers, or even as a paid consulting service.

Be prepared to openly discuss your goals and experiences – that helps your mentor provide relevant and strategic advice.   Be honest with yourself in what you are trying to achieve. For some mentees, they are not really sure of their objectives or their career path especially if you are still in school or recently graduated. A good mentor may be able to help you explore, recognize and sometimes even unlock potentially hidden goals.

Lastly, mentors really enjoy hearing back from a mentee about their – nailing a job interview, getting that first assignment in your chosen field, career advancements, or finally landing that dream job you’ve always wanted. As mentors, we take pride our mentees in thinking we may have played a very small part in their career, but the real reward is in simply sharing in their success.

Bill Leedham, P. Geo., CESA
Bill is the Head Instructor and Course Developer for the Associated Environmental Site Assessors of Canada (www.aesac.ca); and the founder and President of Down 2 Earth Environmental Services Inc. You can contact Bill at info@down2earthenvironmental.ca