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

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?

Tips for a Successful Mentoring Session

• 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.