Being a great mentee is as important as having a great mentor. Building a relationship with a mentor helps develop your knowledge and skills and network with industry professionals to further your accounting and finance career.
Understanding what mentors want mentees to know supports strong, successful relationships. These guidelines can help.
Clarify Your Needs
Let your mentor know exactly what you want from the relationship:
- Share a specific goal you need help accomplishing.
- Prepare an outline for what you want to attain during a session.
- Staying on track helps reach objectives.
Stay Committed
Focus on developing a long-term relationship with your mentor:
- Most mentor-mentee relationships last 3-6 months or longer.
- Put in your top effort during the timeframe.
- Consistently develop and apply your knowledge and skills for maximum learning.
Demonstrate Respect
Show you value your mentor’s time and expertise:
- Contact your mentor during their set hours and through their preferred method.
- Understand how much time your mentor has to give you.
- Arrive to sessions on time and prepared.
Be Engaged
Show you are open to learning and development:
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Be honest and responsive during conversations.
- Share your energy and eagerness for growth.
Ask Questions
Use your curiosity to learn and grow:
- Ask about your mentor’s work experiences.
- Present thought-provoking questions to initiate discussions.
- Debate issues you are passionate about.
Maintain Accountability
Follow through on what you say you will do:
- Apply your newly developed knowledge and skills to work projects.
- Complete the tasks your mentor assigned before you get together.
- Bring the document you asked your mentor to help with during your next meeting.
Accept Feedback
Be willing to implement constructive feedback:
- Your mentor might have experienced similar work situations and can provide insight into handling them.
- You can consider new information and perspectives.
- Following your mentor’s advice helps advance your career.
Express Gratitude
Always thank your mentor:
- Your mentor is donating their time to support your professional growth.
- Your mentor’s knowledge, skills, and experiences help accelerate your career path.
- Buying your mentor coffee, sending birthday and holiday cards, and providing gift cards to their favorite restaurant or shop demonstrate your appreciation.
Is It Time to Find Your Next Accounting and Finance Job?
Mercer Bradley can match you with Winnipeg accounting and finance roles that fit your goals, skills, and experience. Visit our job board to apply for a role today!
