Planning Ahead with Your Mentor

In most cases, your mentor will have already done many of the things that you will be doing over the next 2-3 years. Your mentor’s experience can be very valuable to you if you know how to use it wisely.

Here are some guidelines for taking advantage of your mentor’s experience to make your own plans.

1. Ask what “land mines” are awaiting you. Land mines in this case are things that you have to be very careful to avoid.
2. Ask if there are things that you must do to continue making progress. These are things you have to do in order to avoid being limited in other choices.
3. Ask for advice on options you have. This is where your mentor’s experience will be especially valuable.
4. “What haven’t I thought about doing?” Often you will not be aware of all the things that are available to you.

Once you have received guidance on your future plans, let your mentor know. Then ask: “Can you help me ….?”