The time commitment for mentoring varies and should be established and agreed-upon by you and your mentee.
Mentees may be audiology students or practicing audiologists.
Be sure that you establish channels and protocols to contact each other (via email, telephone, etc.).
Introduce yourself by phone, or by a brief email when you receive your mentee assignment.
Arrange a convenient time to speak.
Suggest and solicit potential topics.
Agree on boundaries (practical and ethical) and confidentiality.
Exchange curricula vitae (CV) or resumes prior to the first meeting so you already know pertinent professional information.
Set aside about an hour for the first meeting with your mentee. Use this hour to learn about other aspects of your mentee’s life. Share core values, interests or hobbies.
Discuss your expectations and your needs with your mentee and discuss their needs and expectations.
Devise a meeting schedule and plan to meet at least monthly with your mentee. Work with your mentee on short- and long-term goals for the relationship.
For each meeting:
Be an active listener
Review the notes and action items from the last meeting.
Discuss any successes or challenges that the mentee has experienced since the last meeting.
When possible, share personal experiences or challenges as they relate to the mentee’s experiences.
Continue to review the goals as established in the beginning of the relationship.
Briefly summarize the meeting and discuss action items for the next meeting.
The relationship facilitated by ADA will include a no-fault termination, meaning either party can terminate the mentoring arrangement at any time with no hard feelings and no consequences.
