5 Student Guidelines

The key to success for students is to commit time and effort toward developing their future careers by taking full advantage of this unique opportunity. Students should supply their mentor with feedback and be open to receiving advice and coaching from the mentor.

5.1 Protégé Responsibilities/ Expectations

  • Be accountable for introducing yourself to your mentor, initiating future conversations and upholding all commitments
  • Determine your interests, Skills and goals and share these with your mentor
  • Ask for help and guidance; seek out the information needed for your career development
  • Keep and open mind and perceive change as an opportunity
  • Maintain communication within the established schedule
  • Communicate any concerns that you might want assistance working through
  • Express appreciation for the mentor regularly
  • Accept both praise and constructive criticism
  • Follow through on any referrals/recommendations made by your mentor
  • Take note of the competencies and skills valued for a successful career in I-O
  • Should you and your mentor decide to discontinue the relationship prior to the formal end of the program, please inform program staff by contacting…

5.2 Mentor Responsibilities/ Expectations

Mentors take on many roles. Many students request mentors when they reach plateaus and connecting with someone who has made it through these milestones in the past can be an inspiration. Other students have questions about dealing with test anxiety, study habits, or career choices. Mentors act as resources, coaches, and role models. An effective mentor:

  • Time Commitment
  • Works with the protégé to set expectations
    • Share your own educational and professional background
    • Get to know your student and ask about specific mentoring needs.
    • Respect the value of classroom objectives set by the teacher; help your student work hard to achieve these objectives
  • Encourages and motivates
    • Provide feedback that can resolve questions or concerns
    • Assist your protégé in establishing a healthy work/life balance
    • Acknowledge and validate disappointments; recognize and celebrate achievements.
  • Cultivates professionals in the industry
    • Model proper professional behavior
    • Share insider tips and knowledge about the organization
    • Help your protégé pursue internship opportunities
    • Encourage your student to become part of the professional community through networking, attending conferences, and joining SIOP and METRO.