2007-2008 SOMAA Mentorship Program Guidelines

The SOMAA Mentorship Program is designed to connect current students with SOM alumni who will be able to enrich their SOM experience. By design, this program should be enjoyable for and benefit both parties. Alumni have graciously volunteered their time and are willing to help facilitate student career development by sharing insights on a range of topics from interviewing tips and job search strategies to career paths.

A mentor acts as a trusted counselor and guide who provides a risk -free learning environment in which to offer career guidance. A successful mentor relationship requires openness, honesty, commitment, and effort by both individuals. Once you select your mentor, YOU are responsible to initiate the relationship. Below are several tips which we hope will better enable you and your mentor to establish a productive and mutually beneficial relationship.

Contact your mentor within one week of selection to introduce yourself and set up a time to speak with them. There is no formula for the initial contact, but you may even want to express appreciation for their participation in the program, outline your hopes for a mentoring relationship, and even where you stand in your career exploration process, et cetera.
Remember at all times that you represent not only yourself, but also Yale School of Management. Your behavior may be the only contact that your mentor and/or their employer have with our program, put your best foot forward!

Ensure that all contact is professional

When you set an appointment to speak with your mentor, treat it as you would an interview. If you must cancel, please provide 24 hours notice when possible.
Always speak in a professional manner with your mentor (avoid slang, profanity, gossip, negative attitudes or opinions)
Always write in a professional manner when communicating with your mentor. (address them by their formal name unless they tell you otherwise, proofread and spell check all emails and letters-there is no excuse for unprofessional communication-you may have a classmate read your correspondence if you are concerned.)
Remember, a mentor does not exist to find you a job with their employer. Do NOT ask them to give/get you a job or contacts under ANY circumstances. If you develop a quality relationship and they are confident in your background, they will likely offer to help pass your resume and put you in touch with the right people when appropriate.
Always thank your mentor for their time.

Discuss and set appropriate expectations for both parties from the beginning (responsiveness, mode and frequency of contact, etc.)
Be committed and responsive to your mentor. Mentors have been given the expectation that they should respond to you within one week (or give notice that that isn't possible). Please exhibit a similar level of responsiveness.
Consider what types of insight you might find valuable and relevant to your areas of interest. Share these ideas with your mentor and make specific requests. For example, if you feel your mentor is unable to provide a certain level of insight that you desire about a certain position or industry, ask them if they have anyone else that they might recommend having you contact.
Keep your mentor informed as your interests and/or job status change.
Provide open and honest advice and feedback in a constructive manner. Your mentor is a volunteer who is trying to do his/her best.
Be clear on the "end" of the relationship from your perspective (it doesn't have to end), do not just fade away. Inform your mentor and the student liaisons when your relationship terminates.
Complete your program feedback survey in a timely manner in Spring 2008.
Have fun and learn a lot!