Connect Hong Kong Mentee Training

The project Giving mentees the opportunity to: Discuss their ambitions and concerns with somebody in their field Think about their future options Improve networking and communication skills Connect with King’s alumni based in Hong Kong

What is mentoring? There are a number of definitions of a “mentor”. The Oxford Dictionary defines a mentor as “an experienced and trusted adviser.” Mentoring is a relationship between two people – the "mentor" and the "mentee." A mentor passes on valuable, knowledge, skills and insights to their mentee to help them develop both personally and professionally. The term “mentor” originates from Homer’s The Odyssey. The character, Mentor, is described as a “wise and trusted friend.”

Who’s who? Your mentor –an experienced King’s graduate You associate – a recent King’s graduate Your mentoring coordinator – Amy Webb, King’s Alumni Office

Goals of mentoring To help someone… Manage issues more effectively Develop unused or underused opportunities and resources more fully Become better at identifying priorities and actions

Thinking ahead for your first meeting Set rules together at the beginning of the relationship Discuss subject areas that will be covered How often you’ll communicate Any other ground rules you can think of that would help you to feel more comfortable as a mentee

What could you ask your mentor and associate? How did you get to where you are today since graduating from King’s? What qualities do you look for in the people you hire? What is the best piece of advice you have ever received regarding your career? What characteristics or skills set you apart from your peers and enabled you to be so successful so quickly? Do you have any regrets with your career? If so, what were they and what did you learn? What’s your favourite thing about your job? When you were at King's did you see yourself doing what you are doing now? If not, why not? How do you cope with the lifestyle of your demanding role? Who has influenced you the most? What goals inspired you to succeed?

What could your mentor and associate help you with? Interview practice and technique Looking over CVs and job applications Suggesting connections and networks to join Telling you about their career paths and offering advice Listening to you and your concerns Your mentor and associate are not able to give you a job!

Building trust Ask your mentor about their interests Think about what you want from each session Come to each session with some ideas Do what you say you’ll do Be honest and open

Setting boundaries The mentoring relationship is a professional one, though of course you can be friendly to your mentor Ask them about their hobbies and interests - this can get the relationship off to a good start If a conversation topic makes you feel uncomfortable, then let your mentor or your coordinator know

Feelings What were you thinking and feeling? Evaluation What was good and bad about the experience? Analysis What sense can you make of the situation? Conclusion What else could you have done? Action plan If it arose again, what would you do? Description What happened? Working reflectively

Receiving feedback Enjoy positive praise – be proud of yourself! Work together with your mentor to solve problems Often, it’s you who has the answers Ask for clarification if anything isn’t clear or if you don’t understand why you’re receiving the feedback Set actions for improvement

Setting SMART targets Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timed

Ending the mentoring relationship Keep the date of your final meeting in mind and work towards it Reflect on what’s been achieved – celebrate your successes! Set actions for yourself going forward End on a positive note

Good luck! Questions?