Do Your Homework...

• Identify someone that you admire (pastor, professor, dean, coach, supervisor, etc.)
• Ask your friends, relatives, colleagues for mentor recommendations; ask for mentee references
• Learn about the mentor’s organization and professional roles and responsibilities

Practice Effective Communication Techniques...

• Practice effective listening techniques when choosing a mentor
• Contact your mentor via e-mail or telephone to schedule a meeting ; plan monthly meetings
• Identify a place to meet away from the office (coffee area, cafeteria, etc.)
• At the initial meeting, communicate your expectations and identify reasonable goals
• Honor any commitments made to the mentor and respect in the communication and confidentiality throughout the mentor/mentee relationship
• Take responsibility for capturing what is discussed at the meetings
• Request suggestions and recommendations regularly for working with teams
• Request suggested reading materials for developmental growth
• Honor recommendations to attend training, workshops, and professional conferences, if appropriate
• Honor recommendations to participate in public service volunteer activities, shadow assignments, details, and rotational assignments

Practice Effective Time Management Skills…

• Be punctual, cordial, professional, and prepared.
• Negotiate an agreed upon time to hold future meetings
• Follow-up on email messages and recommended 5-10 minute homework assignments
• Include your scheduled meetings with your mentor around your academic or work schedule
• Practice time management skills during mid-term/Spring/Summer/Winter breaks, lunch breaks, and other free time to meet with your mentor

Promote a Professional Image…

• Dress appropriately for the job you want…not the job you have
• Enter the relationship with a positive attitude
• Believe in achievement and have confidence in yourself
• Accept that the relationship is temporary
• Accept that the relationship can be extended if there is a mutual agreement
• Express your appreciation for the mentor’s time, information, support, and the sharing of developmental opportunities for you to consider