Guidelines for a Mentee
The program time commitment is one year with a three month minimum.
WHAT IS A MENTEE
Someone who seeks a relationship with a mentor is a mentee. A mentee may have an interest in
or a need for the following:
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Career or leadership growth
Career change
Solutions to career challenges
Developing untapped potential
Learning from an experienced professional
Focusing on professional, technical and communication skills
GUIDELINES FOR A MENTEE
Be prepared to articulate what you want to learn as a mentee and what you hope the relationship
with a mentor can help you accomplish. A mentee should have an overall plan as well as written
goals for each meeting to maximize the time donated by the mentor to:
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Initiate and drive the relationship
Outline objectives for the program overall
Identify initial learning goals
Set targets
Review checkpoints and milestones
Ask questions and seek feedback
Be willing to accept constructive feedback.
Request assignments or direction as needed
Be honest and clear on strengths and weaknesses
Allocate time and energy
Follow through on commitments or renegotiate appropriately
Spend at least an hour a month, face to face or via telephone, with a mentor. We suggest
you spend more time at the first meeting to get to know each other
Make sure you communicate with your mentor
Make sure your monthly meetings happen
Maintain confidentiality with respect to professional development
Understand that the mentor program does not provide counseling or advice on
personal matters.
REQUIREMENTS AND TIPS FOR A MENTEE
The mentee should:
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Attend initial meeting with mentor.
Be open to opportunities.
Be open to ideas and suggestions.
If you disagree with advice from your mentor, it’s okay to say so. Explain.
Maintain appropriate boundaries
Enjoy the experience.
Be responsible for timely communications and responses to your mentor and liaison.
Be accountable for your own progress.
Don’t expect your mentor to be an expert in every facet of leadership. Be prepared to be
directed to other resources, advisors, etc.
Frequently examine the relationship to determine if appropriate progress is being made.
At the formal end of the program, the mentor and mentee can decide if they want to
continue their relationship on an informal basis.
Respond to all liaison contact to check on the status of your relationship.
Call your liaison should you have any questions or concerns.
REMINDERS FOR EFFECTIVE MEETINGS
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Use first meeting to establish a rapport. Share experiences and expectations. Start with
setting one goal.
Set a mutually agreed upon meeting time and place and establish boundaries for
contacting each other and for meetings.
Arrive on time.
Come prepared to each meeting.
Take time to discuss/measure progress on goals.
Maintain mutual confidentiality.
If you have to reschedule, give the other party as much notice as possible and promptly
reschedule your meeting.
Stay on track.