The mentor-mentee matching takes place in the winter. We strive to find a good mentor for all applicants.

 

After you get your mentor allocated, it is your responsibility as the mentee to contact your mentor and organize the first meeting. Typically you will meet on the terms of the mentor which is usually his/her workplace. Due to limited funds, we are unfortunately unable to cover travel expenses.

 

A mentor program typically consists of three meetings. To get the optimal benefit from these meetings the mentor and the mentee must consider their expectations to the cooperation and what the aim of the meetings should be. As a mentee, you must remember that it is your responsibility that you profit from the meetings with your mentor and your preparation is therefore of great importance.

 

Below you will find important considerations and inspiration to prepare for your mentor meetings. Additional tools can be found in the booklet ‘The mentoring journey’ available as an e-book. A hardcopy can also be acquired by contacting us (mentor@inano.au.dk).

Consider the following issues:

• Why did you apply for a mentor?
• What do you expect to gain from the meetings with your mentor?
• What is your dream job and why?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What do you fear the most and why?
• Where do you see yourself in 1 year? 3 years? 5 years?

What would you like to learn more about regarding the mentor’s job?, E.g.:

• Job availability
• Working hours
• Expectations from the employer
• The relationship with colleagues

Topics for discussion:

• What influence does the mentor’s education have on his job?
• How does the mentor’s professional background influence his job?
• How does the mentor’s personality influence his job?
• What are the main tasks of the mentor’s job?
• What opportunities does the job entail?
• What challenges does the job entail?
• What should be considered before accepting this kind of job? 
• Does the mentor know somebody with the same background in other types of positions?

Agenda for the meetings

It is the responsibility of the student to set the agenda for the meetings. Besides preparing on the basis of the above list it is also important to follow up on prior meetings. It can be a good idea to make notes from the meetings since these are important for the preparation of the following meeting.

 

Suggestion for an agenda:

 

Aim of the day

• What should the settings for the meeting be (timeframe, tour at the workplace, ..)?
• What should be the outcome of the day?

 

Clarification of the student’s situation

 

• Does the mentee have an idea about the career path he/she wants to follow?
• Does the mentee have an idea about the dream job, but not how to get there?
• Does the mentee mainly seek general information and experience?

Final goal

• Where does the mentee expect to be in his/her job search when the mentor program ends?

Next step?

• Which tasks does the mentee have for next meeting?
• Which tasks does the mentor have for next meeting?