Mentee introductory session Peter Melling Marketech Solutions - business consultancy explains how to get the most out of being mentored Lancaster Career Mentoring

Why are we here? Improve practical skills & business confidence Build personal & professional networks Increase your understanding of industry and trends Start linking academic study to business Broaden your knowledge of career options Learn what graduate employers are looking for Practise the skills needed to access employment

What makes a good mentee? Openness to new ideas, suggestions and feedback Willingness to have a go and try out different things Commitment to self-development and achievement Ability to give and receive constructive feedback Skill in good organisation and time management Determination to take the initiative Communicate needs, desires and expectations

Some of the real issues The UNKNOWN – most people will help a fledgling We never stop learning – maximise your skills Act now – dont underestimate the time it takes Try and take a team approach – play to strengths Use others to achieve your aims in business Theres room for entrepreneurs AND bean counters Dont be arrogant, you know little about business at 22 Market changes are out of our control. Surf them! Skill, contacts, luck will get you there – in what %?

How many know about? Business strategy Investments and financing Marketing Operations and logistics Financial management Information technology Human resource management Sales Legal services Project and change management

Mentee responsibilities 1. Be receptive to your mentors advice 2. Test your strengths and weaknesses - set goals 3. Plan and agree to realistic periodic deliverables 4. Fulfil all commitments and attend meetings 5. Respond in a timely manner to correspondence 6. Observe confidentiality & operating boundaries

More mentee responsibilities 1. Fulfil agreed commitments (or negotiate changes) 2. Keep up-to-date notes – diarise activity 3. Take up opportunities for professional networking 4. Dont be embarrassed if you dont know 5. Ask! dont be afraid to ask! 6. Respect your mentors other responsibilities 7. Accumulate queries to issue before meetings

Next steps Remember, your conduct may influence whether mentors comes back to help others in the future. Business should partly be fun. The income you make from your career will shape your entire life. You need others to make it happen.