What Not to Expect from a Mentor Call

Let’s be honest, not having expectations is hard. Anything new we take on comes with expectations and certain beliefs, that may or may not be realistic.

Every mentor call, whether it’s your first time to meet or a catchup session, is a new experience that comes along with new expectations, that may or may not come true. Setting healthy expectations can be tricky since growth & learning are unpredictable. So instead of telling you what you can expect from a mentor session, the ADPList ambassadors chose to tell you what not to expect from a mentor call, today.

Don’t expect the call to be all about design, be open to hearing other advice

When I first started out receiving mentorship from ADPList, I always came in with the notion that we would only talk about design. While this is an immediate commonality between you and the mentor, try to talk about things outside of design. The most insightful conversations I’ve had with mentors have been ones where we talked about topics that weren’t design-related. Don’t be afraid to experiment, after all, we are designers, and that’s what designers do.

- Jason, Content Designer & ADPList Venture Initiative Ambassador Summer Cohort

Set your own goals, don’t expect your mentor to be a mindreader

It’s easy to believe that a mentor will have all the answers, and all you need to do is show up and obtain that wisdom. While mentors are experienced and can offer great advice, they won’t be able to give you the advice you actually need unless you tell them what your goals and expectations are. There is no single answer that will ease all your concerns and worries. It’s important to determine what you are hoping to learn or receive feedback on in advance of your session so that your mentor can also prepare themselves to help you in the best way.

Tip: Before you even book your session, write a list of short-term and long-term goals you are hoping to achieve. Under each goal, note down any problems or limitations you are currently facing in achieving those goals. Share these notes with your mentor so that they know exactly what you need guidance in!

- Elsa, Visual Designer & ADPList Ambassador Summer Cohort

Make room for unexpected answers

The wonder of speaking to mentors from different fields & experiences is that one mentee question can garner different perspectives & nuances. Take into consideration that while a question is answered similarly by some, there is still room for a different point of view and can be something we mentees do not align with — at least not right away.

Embrace differences & nuances, as the road to growth, isn’t always aligned to our current understanding and beliefs. Wisdom is nuanced, and learning is in the details.

Tip: When I encounter an interesting point of view or a different answer to a common question I ask, I document it then reflect on it by journaling about it. I take a step back and decide if it applies to my current needs so I won’t feel the need to react or disagree right away.

- Denise, Social + Community Designer & ADPList Ambassador Summer Cohort

Be cautious, don’t ask for personal gain

Before you schedule a call with a mentor, be clear in your mind about your expectation from this call! Are you seeking genuine advice? OR are you trying to use them as a way to get inside their company? If you would have noticed while booking a session, a few mentors fill in a note in the invite form about what not to expect from this call. Diligently follow that and understand the position the mentors are coming from. Asking a mentor about their workspace’s/company’s internal information or a referral is not right. Mentors are there “as individuals” to help you in your journey and not as a bridge to get into your dream company they work at! Be mindful of their “personal work-life”. Understand that referrals work on the foundation of trust in your works. And mentor might not be able to vouch for it based on your first call. Give your mentor relationship due time, to build organically, and you would see this rapport taking you to unimagined gains itself.

Tip: I try to decouple the mentor from their workplace and always leave it to them to answer my queries either from their workplace’s perspective or as an individual’s perspective. This builds enough trust in the mentor to be able to tell you instances, wherever possible, from their workplace. So be clear of your intent.

• Arshla, Experience Designer & ADPList Venture Initiative Ambassador Summer Cohort

Be respectful, but don’t expect hierarchy

Mentors on ADPList have at least three years of experience, working in the field for a while, and probably know more than their mentee. However, don’t let that define your relationship or scare you off when booking your first mentor call. Of course, you should be respectful to one another, but there is no need for hierarchy. The best mentor/mentee relationships happen naturally and fail when forced.

Tip: When I feel nervous talking to a new mentor, I like to pretend that I know him for years. That way I reduce my anxiety and allow myself to focus on questions that matter.

- Lisa, UX/UI Designer & ADPList Ambassador Summer Cohort

What do you usually expect from a mentor call, and what is your advice when it comes to what not to expect from a mentor session? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear it!

On ADPList, you can book mentor sessions easy, simple, and for free with amazing mentors that love to guide you on your design journey. Still nervous about your first call? Reach out to us! ADPList’s Ambassadors love to support and answer your questions.