The Mentor Network: FAQs
Check out these frequently asked questions for mentees and mentors.
Mentee FAQs
How can I participate in the mentoring program?
Students interested in the program must be from Berklee College of Music (Boston campus) or Boston Conservatory at Berklee and should have a graduation date of December 2023, May 2024, or August 2024. To be considered, interested students must submit a mentor matching survey, which is now available for submissions via the Mentor Collective.
What are the benefits of the mentoring program?
The opportunity to work with mentors who are in different phases of their careers provides a unique and valuable opportunity to student participants. Mentors open up their networks to the mentee and can be valuable advisors on a vast range of issues, from a dispute with a work colleague to the question of how to best position yourself with your supervisor or what your best next career move is. For some mentees, the mentor can function as a role model, while for others, the mentor provides insight on making more confident career choices as they transition from student to alumni. It is not unusual for the relationship to continue to develop and grow over time. In addition to passing on experience, mentors can provide hints and advice, discuss problems openly in a safe space, and provide honest feedback to the mentees.
What questions can I ask my mentor?
When you first meet, you should discuss your expectations with your potential mentor. Some mentors limit their offering to professional questions while others also include personal topics.
What is expected of me as a mentee?
In addition to the general requirements of a professional approach, such as reliability and commitment, the mentee is expected to take a genuine interest and involvement in the mentoring. It is important to take initiative, communicate openly and directly, and articulate your expectations of the mentor.
We are hopeful that you will have regular and frequent contacts with your mentor, aiming for a minimum of two connections per month. A connection can be an email or text exchange, phone call, virtual or in-person meeting, and more. Even a quick exchange can make a big difference in building your relationship with your mentor.
Are the meetings documented?
The mentor and mentee can agree on the schedule, location, and duration of the meetings as well as documentation of results or objectives.
What should I do if there are problems?
Make a report on your Participant Dashboard indicating any concern you have, as well as by responding to the monthly texts you’ll receive. If you have additional questions, reach out to help@mentorcollective.org.
Mentor FAQs
How do I become a mentor?
Interested participants should get in touch with Alumni Affairs. A mentee matching survey will be sent to complete to determine what type of mentee fits your profile and personality.
What can I expect as a mentor?
Mentors can expect highly motivated and talented students who have been vetted through an application process. Mentors are also expected to attend the kickoff and closing events, as well as schedule time with their mentees. The frequency and intensity of the meetings generally depend on the agreed-upon schedule and the mentee’s topics.
We are hopeful that you will have regular and frequent contacts with your mentee, aiming for a minimum of two connections per month. In some cases, there will be no need for face-to-face meetings, while in others, you may choose to meet in person and more frequently. Even a quick exchange via email, phone call, or text can make a big difference in building your relationship with your mentee.
Is there preparatory training for mentors?
Before mentors meet their mentees, they will receive information about the students. Mentors will fill out a brief matching survey (5-10 minutes) and complete mentor training to review the basics of Mentor Collective and being an effective mentor (45 minutes).
What should I do if there are problems?
Make a report on your Participant Dashboard indicating any concern you have, as well as by responding to the monthly texts you’ll receive. If you have additional questions, reach out to help@mentorcollective.org.
What is Mentor Collective?
Mentor Collective is an edtech software and service provider that partners with colleges and universities around the country to design and implement large-scale mentorship programs. Learn more here!
