Now that you’ve been matched with your mentor or mentee, what comes next? The best place to start is to get to know one another and define the relationship clearly in order to meet agreed-upon goals for the mentorship. There are a number of things to decide as a team, and establishing these basic ground rules early on will allow you to focus on the exchange of ideas, experience, and advice. 

This Handbook offers plenty of tips and advice to help you to get a better sense of how it all works and thrive in your partnership with one another. Coupled with the detailed information on the Maroon & Gold Network, the Handbook puts you on the road to mentorship success!

Mutual Goals and Expectations

Time Commitment

Mentor-mentee pairs are encouraged to have, at minimum, one quality monthly interaction for at least one hour, throughout the mentorship (October-April). For most, a successful relationship is developed through these regular meetings and conversations. 

Getting Acquainted and Setting Goals

Your first meeting is all about getting acquainted with one another and discussing your mutual goals and expectations for the mentorship.

Start by sharing your stories and backgrounds, and discovering what you may have in common. Follow that discussion with learning about the mentee’s career goals and interests.

Then, working together, use the CCAPS Mentorship Agreement & Goals to develop goals and set expectations for the mentorship. Be sure to discuss the following questions to help ensure a successful mentoring relationship: 

  • How often will you meet?
  • How will you meet?
  • How will your meetings be set up?
  • What is the expected response turn-around time for phones calls or emails?
  • What are the preferences for any communication (email, phone, etc.) that takes place in-between regular meetings?


And finally, schedule your next meeting!

Crafting SMART Goals

Consider using the SMART goal framework to develop your mentorship goals. Defining the following parameters helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame:

  • Specific—Your goal should be clear and directly related to your desired objective, and detail relevant information, such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.
  • Measurable—How will you determine whether/when the goal has been achieved? For example,  a measurable goal might be to meet five times over the course of the mentorship.
  • Achievable—Ask: Is there a realistic chance of achieving the goal?
  • Relevant—Goals need to be reasonable and related to a person’s skills, experience, role, and ambition. 
  • Timely—Set a designated time limit for your goal and try to stick to it.

Suggested Activities and Topics

As you progress through the year, you’ll want to include various activities and discuss specific topics.

  • Talk about the mentee’s skills and talents and how these can be applied in the industry.
  • Explore the needs and current trends of the industry and discuss qualifications for different positions in the field.
  • Talk about how your values have impacted your academic and career choices.
  • Discuss work-life balance.
  • Talk about specific training and skill development that you feel may be helpful.
  • Talk about the transition from school to work or from one industry to another.
  • Discuss professional standards and workplace etiquette.
  • Discuss salary and/or severance negotiation.
  • Share the advantages of informational interviews and how to request them.
  • Attend professional development opportunities (webinar, online conference, professional association meeting, industry presentation) together.
  • Attend a University of Minnesota (Alumni Association, CCAPS, Carlson School of Management) webinar or in-person event together. 
  • Arrange informational interviews with your colleagues or professional network.
  • Connect your mentee with colleagues in your profession to expand their network and explore careers.
  • Connect with other CCAPS Mentor Program participants through the Maroon and Gold Network to plan a virtual meeting or to practice networking.
  • Tour the mentor’s organization.
  • Conduct an informational interview and/or a practice interview.
  • Provide feedback on a resume or cover letter; review your LinkedIn profiles together.
  • Collaborate on a project using Internet collaboration tools such as Google Drive.
  • Practice professional etiquette for an interview, business lunch, or networking opportunity.
  • Create a list of potential professional organizations to join. Discuss the pros and cons.
  • Search the Internet together for job resources and other information related to your field.
  • Review a class project or assignment and discuss applying the content or skills to the workplace.
  • Review presentation and public-speaking techniques.
  • Discuss industry-related books, periodicals, and other resources. 
  • Discuss specific skills such as cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, creativity, project management, etc.).

Mentoring Dos and Don'ts

Do …

Communicate
Begin your relationship with a constructive conversation. Be open to ideas and discussion topics. Listen. Ask before making suggestions and giving feedback. Be receptive to constructive feedback and advice. Be explicit about your own needs, limits, and time constraints. Provide feedback on job search tactics, networking, and success strategies.

Prepare
Use the CCAPS Mentorship Agreement & Goals to set specific goals. Plan agendas for monthly meetings. Honor your commitments. Plan for the end of the mentoring relationship. Consider personal safety. 

Encourage
Set high, but reachable expectations. Take the time for self-directed reflection, analysis, and problem-solving. Encourage your mentee to take initiative with the mentoring relationship. Show appreciation for your mentor’s time. 

Don’t …

Assume
Make assumptions that your advice will be followed or that your mentee doesn’t need encouragement or reinforcement. Assume responsibility for the mentee’s academic or career success. Assume your mentor has unlimited time for you. Expect your mentee to aspire to the job or career path that you’ve taken.

Overreach
Offer “personal” counseling or life coaching unrelated to professional or personal development. Ask your mentor for a job, internship, or reference. Share mentor or mentee contact information without permission. 

Underachieve
Neglect agreed commitments without explanation. Take your role lightly. Be defensive when receiving feedback. Provide solutions rather than teaching your mentee how to resolve issues. Act like you know more than you do. Avoid discussing “touchy” or taboo subjects. End the relationship prematurely. 

Tips for Success

When done well, participating in a mentoring relationship can lead to phenomenal opportunities. Here are some tips for making the most of your mentorship.

  • Make the experience personal. If you cannot meet in person, use video chat to get to know one another. 
     

  • Switch it up by varying activities and topics of conversation. 

    If you have a great conversation over video chat one month, consider reviewing résumés or a class project the next. Mentees can send materials via email or Google Drive, and the mentor can offer feedback on the shared documents themselves or by discussing the content during a Zoom meeting. 

    Job and internship screening interviews often take place via video conference or phone; mentors can offer practice interview opportunities. 

    Attend and discuss an in-person event or webinar offered by CCAPS, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, or other institutions, businesses, and organizations. 

  • Avoid multitasking. When communicating, no matter the method, give the conversation your full attention. Avoid interruptions and listen actively. Let your mentor or mentee know in advance if you are taking notes or may be interrupted by a meeting or phone call.
     
  • Be spontaneous. Between your scheduled meetings, allow yourself the time to send a quick email or make a phone call to share news, ask a question, or send a thank you or hello. Spontaneous contact helps build rapport. 
     
  • Determine a topic of discussion or short meeting agenda in advance. Preparing for a future conversation will ensure you are making the most of your time together. Consider reading a short article to discuss at the beginning of a meeting as a way to break the ice and get the conversation flowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hosted by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, the Maroon & Gold Network is a free, online platform for career-related advice, networking, and mentorship. It’s also the platform that powers the CCAPS Mentor Program. It manages mentor and mentee applications, the matching process, and program communications. Learn more about how to navigate the application process in this Maroon & Gold Network FAQ.

Mentees are strongly encouraged to initiate the relationships with their mentors, though a mentor may reach out if they prefer to initiate the relationship. If you have tried to connect with your mentor or mentee at least twice and they have not responded, connect with the Mentor Program team at [email protected].

CCAPS does its best to make appropriate matches based on the interests, experiences, and preferences indicated on applications. Those who choose to participate in the Mentor Program have a passion for their respective industries and studies, as well as for professional development. This passion provides a strong foundation for building a mentoring relationship. We encourage matches to enter their relationships with an open mind and allow time to discover common interests.

The Career & Internship Services website has excellent resources for currently enrolled CCAPS degree-seeking undergraduates and graduate students, as well as for alumni who have graduated in the past two years.

There are many ways a mentor can help build a mentee’s network, including by making introductions to professional colleagues, and sharing contact information that would allow the mentee to pursue the opportunity for an informational interview. Also helpful: extend an invitation to attend an online conference, professional association meeting, business tour, or volunteer or training event. As you consider the options, please consider that some activities may be cost-prohibitive for mentees. 

There is no expectation that internships or employment will result from the mentoring experience. Mentors are however, welcome to share job and internship listings, and offer support and constructive feedback as mentees pursue opportunities.

If you’re unable or uncomfortable having a discussion with your mentor or mentee about an issue, reach out to the Mentor Program team at [email protected] or 612-625-2910.

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