Before, during and after your meeting
Before
- Always keep in mind you are asking these people to share information, advice and contacts -- not give you a job.
- Prepare a list of questions before your meeting. Do some research about the company/organization at which they work. Bring a copy of your resume to share with the person about your background.
- Be professional -- please keep your appointment. If you are unable to make your meeting at the last minute, be sure to contact the mentor as far in advance as possible, and let them know that you are interested in rescheduling.
During
- If you get nervous, refer to your prepared list of questions to break the ice.
- The mentors will probably be as interested in you as you are in them. Tell them about your studies, your relevant experience, what's happening on campus, and so on.
- Be prepared to answer these general questions:
- "What are you hoping to get out of our meeting today?" (Are you looking for a general overview of the profession? Or do you have specific questions you would like answered? Are you hoping to get advice for your job/internship search? Are you looking to get the "lay of the land" as far as who are the big companies in the field, and see if the mentor has any contacts to share?)
- "How else can I be helpful for you?" (Have they answered all your questions? Did they offer to help circulate your resume? Would you like to keep in touch with him/her periodically?)
- At the end of the meeting, reiterate how helpful the meeting was and how much you enjoyed the opportunity to speak with him/her.
After the Meeting:
- Send a thank you note to the mentor volunteer.
- Complete the online evaluation form and email to UB Career Services. We really would like to know how your visit went and how valuable this service was to you.
- Keep in touch with the mentor. Check in from time to time to update him/her on your progress.
Questions To Ask Mentor Volunteers
Remember, the purpose of your meeting is to gain information, advice, and contacts.- Find out some background information about this person:
- length of time in current position/organization
- major job responsibilities
- organizational structure of their area
- past career path which led to this position
- Find out more about their job and profession:
- what a typical day is like
- personal likes/dislikes of job/profession
- frequently recurring problems in such an occupation/job
- major rewards of occupation/job
- skills most utilized in profession/job
- employment outlook for the profession
- professional associations he/she is active in and is recommended for occupation/job
- general salaries and benefits for profession
- aspects of his/her education or other skills that helped most in the job
- how has technology changed the job/profession if it has
- Get Some Advice:
- share your background/goals with the mentor volunteer
- obtain advice regarding your job search or selection of a career path
- show the mentor volunteer your resume for advice if appropriate, and/or to hold for future reference
- ask for literature or a tour if you would like more information about the company/organization
- ask for a referral to another contact person, if appropriate, to continue networking
- ask for job search advice or tips he/she can provide
Have fun and learn all you can!