[Mentee] How to prepare for the first meeting?

A practical guide which could be helpful in taking the first step in mentoring world.

Have you scheduled your first mentoring session? Congratulations! It feels like you’re already one step closer to your dream school. If you want to make your 30-minute mentoring session more efficient and effective, read on. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready for your first mentoring session.

Before the call

Take some time to research your mentor

• Review the mentor’s profile page. You can find information about their school and job on our mentor page, so make use of the abundant resources. Understand their background, and current role. Knowing about this person beforehand will help you make better use of the allotted time and demonstrate your genuine interest. Additionally, if you find common ground with your mentor, you might have a more personal and engaging conversation.

Prepare a list of questions.

Draft a list of thoughtful questions related to your objectives. Focus on open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses and meaningful discussions. Here’s a handy list of questions to consider asking during your first meeting:

• What motivated you to apply to and attend your school?
• Can you share some challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
• What advice would you give to someone in my position?

Prepare necessary materials

• Have a notebook or digital device to take notes. If you have specific documents you want feedback on, such as resume or a draft of your college essay, bring them along as well.

During the call

Be on time! Respect your mentor’s time.

• Confirm the meeting details (time, place, duration) in advance. Aim to keep the chat within the agreed time frame, which is 30 minutes.

Set the context and clear objectives

• Know what you want to achieve from the chat. Are you seeking academic advice, culture insights, networking opportunities, or something else? Having clear goals will help you steer the conversation effectively.

Short intro

• Briefly introduce yourself, your background, and your current goals. This helps set the tone for the convesation.

Stay flexible

• While it’s good to have a plan, be open to where the conversation leads. Sometimes unexpected topics can provide valuable insights.

After the meeting

Leave review for your mentor

• Provide feedback to your mentor through the email you received upon confirming the mentoring session. Your feedback can help improve the mentor’s future sessions. This is also a great place to express your gratitude.

Follow-up

• Plan to send a thank-you note after the meeting. Express your gratitude for their time and the insights they shared, and mention any next steps you plan to take based on the conversation.