You’re ready to ask some questions to a mentor you respect in the workplace. But what do you actually say?
Finding a workplace mentor
As an apprentice, you can use your networking skills to develop further and faster during your apprenticeship, or find out more about future career paths you might love.
A workplace mentor could be an official mentor (also known as a ‘work buddy’) who’s assigned to you during your apprenticeship to help support your training. It could be also be someone in your current workplace whose career interests you as a potential future direction for yourself, and who is willing to give you a bit of time and energy to help you learn more. Then again, it could be someone you’ve approached through LinkedIn or an apprenticeship network who is willing to support you and answer any questions you might have.
Asking your mentor for support
You know which questions you most want to ask, but sometimes our minds can go blank when we’re faced with someone we don’t really know – even if they’re willing to help. You could ask them for top tips to pass your apprenticeship, or skills and behaviours that have helped them succeed, or resources to help you learn more in your own time. You could ask for ways to source extra free training in your own time, or ways to help you pick up useful new skills or demonstrate the ones you are currently learning. Questions, questions! When you find a mentor, no question is too small or too large.
Here are some more questions you can ask!
- How did you get into the role you are currently in?
- What experience did you have to get your job?
- In your career is there anything you wish you would have done differently or known sooner?
- In your opinion, what skills/knowledge are necessary for this role?
- What sources (podcasts/blogs/websites) can I use to keep my knowledge of the industry up to date?
- What skills/knowledge do I need to develop to be successful in this industry?
- What books or journals would you recommend that I read?
- Are there any particular courses/classes which would help further prepare me for work in this industry?
- What type of skills would I need to develop to be successful in this role?
- I have already developed x skills through y activity. In your opinion, how could I develop these skills further?
No question is too big, too small or too daft. Ask away!