Suggested Activities

Getting started can be the most difficult part of a mentoring relationship. Once you’ve established contact with your mentoring partner, you will need to arrange an initial meeting. This can feel just as nerve-wracking as a first date for some people. Past participants agree that it is best to keep it simple for your first meeting. Nothing will make you feel better than being prepared with thoughtful questions that will help spark conversation. Read about your mentor/mentee and be prepared to ask about their background. You may also want to start with a brief chat over coffee, since that can be a shorter meeting than an hour or more for lunch. Below are some suggested topics of discussion and activities that can be incorporated into your mentoring project.

Discussion Topics

• Educational background and work history
• Current topics or articles that may be beneficial in professional development
• Long term goals
• Successful strategies related to achieving desired goals
• Factors prioritized by employers/industry of choice when evaluating candidates
• Networking strategies and opportunities
• Strategies for relationship management with employers

To view more ideas and suggestions, check out our program’s Mentoring Resources Folder.