4 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MENTORING

KNOW YOUR GOALS:

One of the most important things you can do going into your mentoring relationship is to know what your end goal is. Whether making a five-year plan with tangible milestones or outlining skills that you would like to improve on, knowing what your goals will help you cut down on wasted time.

BUILD YOUR CIRCLE

Just as important as it is to have a mentor, it is also essential to start building relationships with members of your professional community that you can turn to for advice or bounce ideas off. Having a mentor can open the door to introductions to other key people in your industry. Take the time to lay the foundation for future relationships that may help you long into your career. 

BE READY!

What do you want to accomplish? How much time do you have to meet your goals? While a mentor is there to help guide you, it is your responsibility to make sure you are prepared for the opportunities. Take the time before each appointment with your mentor to review what you have done so far, adjust or change things that didn't work, or correct course as your interests change and your skills improve.  

WATCH AND LEARN:

Everyone learns differently. For some, explanations work better, while for others, it takes watching and hands-on practice to learn. Make sure you understand how you learn, and then take the time to shadow your mentor in their natural environment, you'd be surprised how much you pick up from stepping back and watching.