Questions to Ask a Mentor and Tips for a Successful Mentoring Session

Published

January 11, 2019

Questions to Ask a Mentor

What’s the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
How do you encourage innovative ideas?
How would you describe your personal style?
Do you have a mentor? How have they influenced you?
What do you do to constantly challenge your underlying beliefs and assumptions?
Would you do anything differently if given the opportunity?
How and where do you find inspiration?
How do you keep your feelings separate from your decision-making?
What values are you committed to?
How do you balance your work and home life?
Do you have any books that you would suggest I read?

Prepare and ask relevant questions.
Be respectful of your mentor’s time and experience.
Ask if you can follow up and exchange contact information.
Afterwards, ask yourself what you learned from the meeting and how you can apply your new knowledge.
Thank your mentor for their advice with an email or personalized note.