Mentoring FAQs
What are some typical questions mentors get asked?
Common questions that other mentees ask include:
Do I need to go to university to get a job in a particular sector?
Will I need to take extra qualifications?
How do I get an internship?
What do I put on my CV?
How do I prepare for an interview?
How much will I get paid?
What are the key aims of the mentoring programme?
We like to say that our mentors provide support with the four “C”s:
Career planning: mentors can help you build your understanding of an industry and how to enter it
Confidence: mentors can share their experiences of failure and success – setbacks are a normal part of building your career
Communication: your mentor can help you develop your presentation and communication skills, ready for the workplace
Connections: your mentor can help build your own professional network
How do I get the most out of Decade On?
As a starting point, we suggest that mentees read our Progress Plan to help shape your conversations with your mentor. Try and have regular catch-ups with them, and make sure that you develop specific actions from your meetings.
Why not also join ThinkIns with our partner, Tortoise Media? This is a great way of increasing your general knowledge and improving your communication skills. You can also refer to our blogs and resources page to find useful information on CV building, interview tips, and many other things to help you land your top job.
How often should I meet with my mentor?
We don’t prescribe how and how often you interact with your mentor, because everyone is different and has different needs. It might be in the first few weeks that you have a couple of more regular catch-ups with your mentor, which would be a good opportunity to fill in your Progress Plan. Once this is done, you might not require such regular contact and may check-in, say, once a month.
One tip we recommend that you leave sufficient time between meetings for you to complete any specific actions that you and your mentor have agreed upon. It is also unlikely that our mentors will have time to have a catch-up once a week, on an on-going basis.
We also ask that you give your mentor sufficient time to respond to any requests that you may have. If, for example, you have specific application deadlines that you know you need to make, please discuss any application advice with your mentor, well in advance.
Over what platform should I talk with my mentor?
We don't prescribe how you talk to your mentor, whether that be email, calls or texts, but why not try a video call for one of your first meetings? We find that it is easier to build a mentoring relationship if you can do it face-to-face. We recommend that, in one of your early sessions, you discuss with your mentor how best to communicate and how often.
Can my mentor help me with my CV and applications?
Yes. Our mentors can assist you with your CV and any job applications, however, these should remain your responsibility, and our mentors will not draft these for you. Please also refer to our blog and resources page for more helpful tips.
How long do mentoring relationships last?
This can vary in each case. You might just have some questions about your career that you are looking to have answered, or you might want to develop a more long-term relationship with your mentor.
What do I do at the end of the mentoring process?
If you have come to the end of your mentoring relationship, please let us know by emailing us at info@decadeon.com. We ask that you fill out our mentoring feedback form so that we can continue to improve our services.
What do I do if I’m not getting the support I require from my mentor?
If you don’t feel like you are getting the support of advice you need from your mentor, please contact us at info@decadeon.com – we are always here to listen!
Who are Tortoise Media?
Tortoise is Decade On’s official media partner. Tortoise is building a different kind of newsroom, which celebrates “slow news’, and allows everyone a seat at the table. Tortoise hosts regular live events called “ThinkIns”.
What is a Tortoise ThinkIn?
Tortoise describes its ThinkIns as “forums for civilised disagreement”. It’s where Tortoise gets to hear what you think, drawn from your experience, energy and expertise. And Decade On mentees can get free access to a Tortoise subscription.
What is the Tortoise Media code for free access?
Please email us at info@decadeon.com if you have misplaced your access code.