Do's and Dont's

Do’s

Drive the relationship. Be the first to make contact with your mentor, respond to all communications in a timely manner, and take the initiative to set up consistent in-person meetings. One tip is to always end each meeting “when should we meet next?” so that you can get a date on the calendar after comparing both of your schedules.
Set your relationship expectations right away about when and how you will connect with your mentor
Agree and commit to the expectations and goals you set with your mentor.
Be receptive to suggestions and feedback from you mentor. Criticisms will only be offered in an effort to help you grow professionally.
Approach your mentorship relationship with respect, professionalism and an open mind.
Be mindful of when the relationship has reached its natural end; if all of the goals you set have been achieved then it may be time to find another mentor to tackle another set of goals. If you both would like to, you can continue to meet (though likely with less frequency) or you can simply thank them and move on to start another mentorship relationship.
Send your feedback and suggestions for improvement periodically to us. As this is a new and developing program, we’d greatly appreciate your candid feedback.
Tell your classmates about your experiences! As a growing program, we rely on word of mouth referrals to promote the program.

DON’T arrive late to meetings or conference calls.
DON’T arrive underdressed to meetings (business casual is suggested).
DON’T violate confidence. Discussions should stay between you and your mentor. Preserving an environment of confidentiality and trust should be your top priority.
DON’T ask your mentor to be a reference for you before you have gotten to know them. Asking your mentor (or anyone for that matter) for a reference is a request that should be reserved for people who know you well as a professional (former boss, former or current coworker). To ask your mentor before developing a rapport or relationship could make them uncomfortable or put them in a difficult position. It is best to wait until a relationship has developed and they have gotten to know you as a professional before making such a request.
DON’T ask your mentor for a job within their organization. If your mentor knows of an opportunity for which they think you may be a good fit, they will mention it to you. Asking them for a job could make your mentor uncomfortable or put them in a difficult position.