Mentoring
Palm Beach State's professional mentor program connects students and alumni with a network of volunteer mentors who provide career guidance. This program allows students to seek real-world advice, learn about specific professions, understand industry requirements, and explore job outlooks.
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor, can register here.
Finding/Contacting a Mentor
- Check mentor's online profile for preferred method of initial contact.
- Note how the mentor is willing to help
- Never text a mentor
- Avoid using abbreviations in emails and use correct grammar and punctuation. Proofread!
Making Contact with Mentors
- Log in to the Palm Beach State College mentor database
- Search and read mentor profiles
- Briefly state why you are making contact. (See sample mentor scripts.)
- If you have more than a few questions, request a phone or in-person meeting. Schedule the meeting at the mentor's convenience
- If the mentor doesn't respond in 3 business days, follow up with them. If you don't hear from the mentor after the second attempt, let the Career Center know and try another mentor
- Do not email your class assignment questions to mentors and ask them to provide answers. It's your job to ask questions and record the answers.
Sample email requesting to meet with a mentor
Dear [First Name] [Last Name]:
My name is (insert your name), and I am a student at Palm Beach State College. I read your profile at the college. I am thinking about becoming a (insert job title), and I am looking for a mentor and would be honored if you could meet with me. I know you are incredibly busy, so if this isn’t possible, would you be willing to answer some questions over the phone or email?
I can be reached via the contact information below. I look forward to hearing back from you.
(Insert Phone Number)
(Insert Email)
Sincerely,
(Insert your full name)
Sample phone script requesting a meeting with mentor
Hello [First Name] [Last Name]:
My name is (insert your name), and I am a student at Palm Beach State College. I am thinking of becoming a (insert job title) and would like to talk to you about your experience working as a (insert job title). Do you have some time to meet with me at your office on a date and time that is convenient for you?
[If the mentor agrees to meet in person]
Thank you very much for agreeing to meet with me.
What is your office address? Is parking available? I look forward to meeting with
you.
[If the mentor is unable to meet in person]
I understand you are very busy, would you be willing to answer some questions over
the phone?
Thank you for your time.
Sample thank you note after mentor answers email questions
Dear [First name] [Last name]:
Thank you very much for answering questions about the (insert job title) career field. I enjoyed reading your helpful responses and appreciate the time you took to answer my questions. I look forward to remaining in touch.
Thanks again for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
(Insert your full name and phone number)
Sample thank you via email or mailed card after meeting with the mentor
Dear [First name] [Last name]:
It was so nice to meet with you today! Thank you for taking the time to answer my (many) questions and talk about what it’s like to work as a (insert job title) it was very informative and helped clarify my career goals. I especially loved hearing about [something you enjoyed talking about]. Thanks again for your time and assistance. I look forward to staying in touch.
Sincerely,
(Insert your full name)
The Mentor Interview
- If you cannot make an interview appointment, always call well in advance to let them know.
- Call the mentor a day before to reconfirm your appointment. If you are unsure of the location, ask for directions.
- Be on time for the appointment and dress in business attire.
- Research the career field ahead of time and bring a list of questions to ask.
- Examples include: Questions for an Informational Interview
- Bring a clean notepad and pen to write down advice given.
- Send a thank you note via e-mail after the meeting. (See sample mentor scripts.)
- Be professional at all times. Never be a "no show" for the interview.
