Make Conversations Productive

Get to Know Your Mentor Ahead of Time

Seems obvious, right? But the more you learn beforehand, the better your questions and your conversation. Read the mentor’s profile and LinkedIn profile (if there is one). Think about how the mentor’s story might overlap yours.

Think About How You Will Tell Your Story and the Questions That Will Get Them to Tell Theirs

Stories are powerful tools. What does the mentor’s profile tell you about theirs? 

Understand That This Is Not a Job-Finding Service, and It’s Not to “Get Advice”

This is not a job interview or a headhunter interview. And it’s not about the mentor helping you find a new job. 

Don’t expect the mentor to tell you what to do. Mentors are not equipped, and don’t know enough to tell you what paths to pursue, or to give advice. 

The goal is for you to share your story and questions, and to hear their stories and learn. The conversations are intended to give you perspectives and ideas about paths you might consider imagining.

Plan Some Specific Questions

For Example:

  • How did you choose your career? Do you have regrets about your choices?

  • What might you have done differently if you were able to get a “do-over”?

  • What have you found most fulfilling about your work life? Your volunteering? 

  • How does/did your work align with your values?  Your sense of purpose?

  • What do you wish now you had known when you were my age?

Have Fun! Treat it as Any Other Conversation You Might Have with an Uncle, Aunt or an Older Friend

Plan to learn about the mentor’s stories— including what he or she liked or disliked, mistakes they made, growth opportunities. Plan to laugh! Life is funny!

Respect Your Mentor’s Time Constraints

Agree up front on how long the conversation should last, and on what your goals are. The mentor will appreciate that!

 

The More Conversations You Have, the Better the Results

  • Don’t stop at one conversation. After each conversation, ask who else you should  chat with, inside and outside Immanuel. Then ask, “would you introduce me?” Or, “can I use your name when I reach out to them?” 

  • After a conversation, look for others in the mentor directory. Your goal: multiple conversations!

  • Email a thank you note immediately after a conversation. Be specific about what helped! The mentor will appreciate it, and he/she will want to help you again.  

  • Reflect on what you learn from each conversation, and apply it to your next conversation.

 

Still have more questions? Click the boxes below to learn more!