WELCOME TO FIRST ASCENT
FIRST ASCENT
OVERVIEW
Congratulations on being accepted into the First Ascent Scholars for the 2024-2025 cohort!
First Ascent is an experiential learning program that engages scholars in classroom curriculum, engagement activities, community service and travel. Through the generous donation of the Jeff and Helen Cardon Foundation, the First Ascent Scholars program is able to provide scholars with tuition scholarship covering unmet tuition and mandatory fees need, housing, meal plan, books and supplies, as well as travel and learning opportunities. These scholarship funds are intended to assist students toward retention and graduation. Your scholarship will be reviewed on a yearly basis to ensure you are meeting the academic and programmatic expectations to achieve these goals. The purpose of this letter is to outline the basic program expectations, as well as inform you of upcoming dates and events. The following expectations are intended to foster student academic success and engagement in the experiential learning outcomes outlined below
1. Develop community engagement
2. Explore non-traditional knowledge through travel and recreation
3. Foster academic success and retention
We ask you review the expectations carefully, as your agreement to work toward these expectations is important in ensuring your continued involvement in the First Ascent program.
• Complete First Ascent Orientation
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress: Our goal is to ensure all students achieve and maintain a 3 0 cumulative GPA; however, should students fall short of this goal they agree to participate in required activities to support academic success. These required activities may include mandatory tutoring, enrollment in a study skills course, and attending weekly meetings with First Ascent Program Manager or Belonging Cohorts Director.
• Maintain full-time status (12 credit hours) per semester
• Agree to live on campus for the first 2 years of enrollment
• Agree to share academic progress with the First Ascent board (FERPA consent form)
• Agree to routine check-ins with the First Ascent staff to discuss progress.
• Agree to complete 10 hours of volunteer service in an educational setting per fall and spring semesters (20 total hours)
• Agree to participate in monthly First Ascent Scholars events
• Agree to participate in travel (including international travel*) and learning opportunities
• Enroll in Business Scholars Experience (BSE) cohort block courses
• Uphold the First Ascent Scholars Code of Conduct (see included code outline)
• Compose a letter of thanks and sincere acknowledgment to the donor(s) of your scholarship funds
Please respond to this letter by July 12, should you have conflicts with any of the expectations or events outlined. We are thrilled to have you join us!
EVENT DATES & DETAILS
ORIENTATION
River Rafting Trip** August 13-15, 2024.
Complete First Ascent Orientation through Canvas.
FIRST ASCENT & BUSINESS SCHOLARS EXPERIENCE
First Ascent Scholars are required to participate in Business Scholars Experience (BSE) and enroll in a cohort block. We have saved spots for First Ascent Scholars in the following cohorts:
M/W/F AM – Cohort 1
M/W/F PM – Cohort 12
T/TH/F AM – Cohort 14
T/TH/F PM – Cohort 24
To see class schedules and learn more about BSE, visit: Eccles.Utah.edu/program/undergraduate /bse-choose-your-cohort/
FIRST ASCENT SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM***
July 22 - August 3, 2024
First Ascent Scholars are required to attend a two-week summer bridge program to prepare for the business quantitative curriculum and build community. Please note that students are required to live on-campus during these two weeks.
*If this is not possible for personal reasons, please let us know. **We will be camping! All tents, sleeping gear, rafting gear, and food provided. ***If there are extenuating circumstances that make it impossible for you to attend, please contact
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
While the scholarship agreement requirements listed in the scholarship offer are necessary to maintain the First Ascent Scholarship, we have high expectations of our scholars beyond these requirements. You were selected from a large applicant pool because you exhibited strong leadership and community building qualities. We expect you to utilize the qualities for the benefit of your cohort and the First Ascent Scholars community. To help you better understand our expectations we have outlined them below. Should you feel these expectations are beyond your scope, please reach out to our First Ascent staff for training and leadership support.
• We expect our scholars to arrive on time for events, meetings, classes, etc. Timeliness is an important aspect of professional behavior, and as representatives of the First Ascent Scholars Program, we expect our scholars to exhibit professionalism.
• We expect our scholars to attend ALL First Ascent Scholar events. We understand students have jobs and other obligations. To that effect, we will provide event information well in advance so that scholars can make necessary accommodations. Work is not an excuse to miss a mandatory First Ascent Scholars event. Should you need to miss an event, you are expected to reach out to the Scholarship staff in a timely manner to discuss.
• We expect our scholars to be responsive and communicative. We will communicate with you in a variety of ways including your university email, text messages, and phone calls. We expect you to respond to our communication in a timely manner, and address any action items outlined in the communication. We also expect you to communicate with your mentors to ensure a reciprocal mentor relationship.
• We expect our scholars to put school first. Life can get hectic, but our team is here to ensure ALL our scholars reach graduation. You are part of our community, and commitment to your education should be at the top of the list. If you feel barriers are in your way to putting school first, please talk with us. We are here to help you navigate how to prioritize.
• We expect our scholars to be respectful. We understand college will be a new environment and will come with many challenges. One challenge may be conflict with others across campus, or even on the First Ascent Scholars team. While it may feel easy to distance yourself from conflict, we know an important part of professional behavior is working through conflict and treating ALL people with respect. Respect looks like engaging ALL students in the community, regardless of conflict; friendliness; timeliness; support; and compassion.
• We hold these expectations not just of our scholars, but of ourselves. Know our team is here to help you grow and learn. We only ask you work with us to guide you in that learning.
I have read the Code of Conduct and agree to uphold the behavioral expectations of the First Ascent Scholars Program. In signing, I understand I will be held to the behavioral standard outlined, and understand failure to do so will result in a hearing with the First Ascent Scholars Board of Advisors to discuss an action plan to support my success.
Signature
IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS
Complete the University of Utah intent to enroll (see Enrollment Commitment), if you have not done so already
Attend New Student Orientation
• Register and attend New Student Orientation prior to the start of Summer Bridge (July 22). https://orientation.utah.edu/first-year/first-year-new-student-orientation.php
Complete the Housing Application (see Housing Application)
• You will apply for housing through the CIS link found on the University main page at www.housing.utah.edu. I would encourage you to complete the application as soon as possible so we can assign your space. Here are the steps you should follow:
» Go to www.housing.utah.edu and begin an application
» Once you have completed Section 1 and are asked to pay, stop and email FirstAscent@eccles.utah.edu (we will let housing know when we have heard from you that the application has been started and the fee needs to be waived)
» Housing will then email you instructions on how to complete the reservation process, waiving the reservation fee (Note: we only pay for bed linens as an extra, all other extras are your responsibility)
Complete the FERPA Waiver
• Give board members permission to discuss your academic and personal progress by completing the FERPA waiver (see FERPA Waiver) – add Jeff Cardon, Helen Cardon, Jack Elizondo, Doug Neville, Shailaja Akkapeddi, Eric Jara, Natalie Lam, and Victoria Cabal as mentors to your waiver.
Complete Scholarship Acceptance Form
• Will be emailed to your umail account (uNID@umail.utah.edu) in July from the Eccles School Scholarship Office
• Read the details of your scholarship offer & sign the agreement form
Attend University of Utah Orientation before the start of Summer Bridge
• Email transition@eccles.utah.edu to inform of orientation date
Enrolled in required Business Scholars Experience (BSE) coursework
• Enroll in BSE Cohort 1, 12, 14, or 24. If you have already chosen a different cohort block and would like to remain in those cohorts, please email Erica.Rojas@Eccles.Utah.edu
• Attend the Business School advising session (even if you have not yet declared business) to ensure you receive proper advising support
• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor – Director of Advising Kathy Rank, by going to https://eccles.my.salesforce-sites.com/undergrad/UASAdvisorAppt – to finish enrolling for Fall 2024 courses and to further discuss Eccles majors requirements
Complete all necessary Financial Aid steps
• Send FAFSA application to University of Utah, if you have not done so already.
• Ensure all requests from the financial aid office have been completed
• We suggest you decline loans and only accept grants or scholarships
Order your books
• A book and supply scholarship up to $250 will be awarded to you at the University of Utah Bookstore. The funds can be used only toward textbooks and school supplies.
Move into Housing
• Your move in date is TBD
Attend the First Ascent Scholars Orientation
• Pre-trip orientation is mandatory
• Rafting trip is mandatory
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BELONGING COHORTS
Welcome, Scholars, to our family. We are thrilled to have you join the First Ascent Scholars class of 2026! As you prepare for this adventure I wanted to share some thoughts I have learned through working with our scholars. I hope these tips will aid you in the transition to college.
1. College takes up more time than you think. The biggest challenge our scholars have faced is time management. It is advised you spend 2 hours each week studying for every 1 credit hour of work you’re completing. In other words, if you are completing 15 credit hours that is 30 hours per week outside of class time you should spend studying! College success often has more to do with putting in the time than anything else. Treat school like a job.
2. Stay organized. Many students stopped using a planner in college. Assignments will creep up, so make sure you have a system to keep track of dates.
3. Seek Support-. I have watched every student have moments of struggle. Our team is here to support you, so don’t stay quiet if you are having a tough time. We have programming to assist with tutoring, counseling, student health clinic needs, etc. Remember we are a resource for your success so do not hesitate to reach out.
4. Get to know your mentor. All scholars are assigned mentors. These people are deeply committed to your success. Reach out to them, even if it is just for a quick hello. They want to know you.
5. Follow through. The First Ascent Scholars Program will take up a lot of your time, but we hope it is worth your investment. We want to build a family, and we can’t do that if you are missing out on participating. Make sure to follow through on First Ascent Scholars commitments, and for that matter, other commitments. Remember, college is preparing you for adult life, so act in this program and university the way you think a professional would act.
6. Be responsible. This one might feel like a lot of pressure sometimes, but remember, you will now represent the University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business, and the First Ascent Scholars in all you do. Make sure you are making smart choices.
7. READ YOUR UMAIL. We will tell you this over and over again, but it still will not be enough. All university-related messages, including First Ascent Scholar communication will go through your umail account. Failure to check this account is not an excuse for missing out on an important requirement, event, or expectation!
8. Lean on each other. You are part of the First Ascent family. We expect you to support each other. This program is not only about the individual, but the group. If you see your fellow scholars struggling in a class you are strong in, help them out. If you need extra help with school, stress etc. remember your fellow scholars are there to help you just as much as the rest of the team.
9. Enjoy the house. Don’t hide in your rooms. Enjoy the house, socialize, and spend time with you fellow scholars. It will be a lot more fun!
10. Explore your interests. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore different subjects and interests within the Eccles School and on campus. College is a time for learning and personal growth, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!
I encourage you to stay positive and persist through all the challenges. Remember, challenges are part of the college experience and were are here to support you and to be a resource to you. We may not always know the answer, but we will help you connect to people who do. Please come to our office for anything you are questioning, worrying or wondering about during your time at the University of Utah. Best,
Erica Rojas
ERICA ROJAS, MPA
Belonging Cohorts, Director Undergraduate Programs
SHE/HER/ELLA
Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building
1655 Campus Center Dr. RM 3120
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-585-7072 (office)
Erica.Rojas@Eccles.Utah.Edu
Eccles Utah edu
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COLLEGE TERMS TO LEARN
AWARD LETTER
An award letter from a school states the type and amount of financial aid the school is willing to provide the student, if they register as a full-time student.
B.A. OR B.S.
B.A. stands for “bachelor of arts,” and B.S. stands for “bachelor of science.” Both degrees can be earned at four-year colleges
BURSAR’S OFFICE
The office in charge of billing students for college related expenses such as tuition, fees, room, and board.
COLLEGE CATALOG
The college catalog provides a detailed overview of an institution, including its mission, programs, costs, admissions requirements, faculty and administration, and course offerings.
COST OF ATTENDING COLLEGE
This is the total cost of going to college, including tuition, room and board, books, transportation, fees, and personal expenses.
CREDIT (OR SEMESTER) HOUR
Credit given for attending one lecture hour of class each week for 15 weeks or equivalent. Most college classes are three credit hours, meaning their total meeting time for a week is three hours.
DEMONSTRATED NEED
This is the difference between the cost of attending a college and your expected family contribution.
STUDENT AID INDEX (SAI)
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a new calculation used by colleges and universities in the United States to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. It is based on the information provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and helps schools determine how much financial assistance a student may need.
FAFSA
This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a federal form required from all students who wish to apply for need-based financial aid, including grants, loans and work-study awards.
FEDERAL PELL GRANT
This grant is a form of financial aid provided by the Federal government to students whose FAFSA indicates a high level of financial need.
FEDERAL PERKINS LOANS
These loans are similar to Stafford loans in that no interest accrues while enrolled in college. The interest rate is lower, and the repayment grace period is longer than that of a Stafford subsidized loan. The need-based standards are more stringent for the Perkins loan and funds are awarded based on the FAFSA Student Aid Report.
FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
The office that decides how much money a student will receive in grants and loans.
GRANTS
Grants, like loans and most scholarships, are based on financial need. A grant may be provided by federal or state governments, an institution, a foundation, or some other nonprofit funding source and does not have to be repaid.
INSTITUTIONAL GRANT
This is a need-based grant provided by an institution and offered to students whose families cannot pay the full cost of college. Institutional grants do not have to be repaid.
MAJOR
A student’s concentrated field of study. Every major includes a required set of courses. Colleges typically ask students to pick their major at the end of their sophomore year.
MATRICULATION
The payment of deposits, tuition, fees, and other charges to enroll in a program of studies at an educational institution. A university might make a distinction between “matriculated students,” who are actually accumulating credits toward a degree, and a relative few “non-matriculated students” who may be “auditing” courses or taking classes without receiving credits.
COLLEGE TERMS TO LEARN
MERIT-BASED GRANT
A form of gift aid (does not require repayment) based upon your grade point average, academic excellence and extracurricular involvement with some attention to your financial need.
MINOR
A student’s secondary field of study.
NEED-BASED GRANT
This grant is offered, as a part of the financial aid package, when a student and his or her family are unable to pay the full cost of attending an institution. The grant does not need to be repaid.
OUT-OF-STATE (NON-RESIDENT) STUDENT
Student whose permanent residence is in a different state from that of the college or university which he or she attends or hopes to attend. Out-of-state students generally pay higher tuition than do instate students.
PERSISTENCE
This is the act of working, progressing, and earning credits toward graduation in an academic environment.
PLACEMENT TESTS
Colleges and universities use these examinations to place students in courses — most often mathematics and foreign languages—that match their proficiency. In some cases, a student’s level of competency on the test may exempt them from having to take a course required for graduation.
PREREQUISITE
A course that must be taken prior to enrollment in another course.
ROOM & BOARD
The cost of a room in a dormitory and a dining hall meal plan at a college or university.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A scholarship is a sum of money given to a student for the purposes of paying at least part of the cost of college. Scholarships can be awarded to students based on students’ academic achievements or on many other factors. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
STAFFORD LOAN
This is a federal student loan for college students used to supplement personal and family resources, scholarships, grants, and work study. A Stafford Loan may be subsidized or unsubsidized, depending on whether it is need-based. Stafford Loans need to be repaid.
STUDENT RETENTION
This is the degree to which students remain enrolled as members of the college or university community and persist toward graduation.
SUBSIDIZED LOANS
These loans are need-based loans with interest paid by the government and payments deferred as long as the student is enrolled in a post-secondary program of studies. Subsidized loans need to be repaid.
TUITION & FEES
The cost of classes, labs, and miscellaneous fees (such as a health services fee and a student activities fee) at a college or university.
WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
Most colleges offer work-study programs. They allow students to work part time during the school year as part of their financial aid package. The jobs are usually on campus and the money earned is used to pay for tuition or other college charges.
Note: You may be awarded a loan (as defined above). We suggest you decline those loans and save yourself from going into debt. We will cover the remaining balance on your tuition after all grants and other scholarships are paid to your account.
ADVICE FROM FIRST ASCENT GRADUATES
CONGRATS AND WELCOME TO FIRST ASCENT!
Yay! You are about to start one of the GREATEST years of your life…Freshman year, baby!! Here is some advice on how to live through this.
1. SCHOOL. Make it a priority! And a big one, too! Nobody is going to hold your hand anymore (unless you want).
2. Take advantage of every opportunity! First Ascent offers a ton! Appreciate it and take it forward.
1. Beware of due dates.
3. Breathe. Don’t stress too much! You are capable of handling EVERYTHING you set your mind to! You are awesome!
4. Have fun! You are not a freshman forever.
2. Respect your classes, meaning go to class even if not required.
3. Check your umail account.
4. Listen to First Ascent staff!
5. Learn how to manage your time well.
6. Don’t be afraid to get help.
~ Josh Anderson
WELCOME!
1. Don’t procrastinate.
2. Always give your best effort.
3. Never miss class.
4. Don’t stress, you have all the help you need to succeed.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
~ Salwa Ibrahim (aka, your friend) GO TO COLLEGE WITH CONFIDENCE!
6. Get your sleep.
7. Get your papers done early.
8. Make time for homework.
9. Have fun!
~ Noah Carr
1. Hold your head high in this program, in your education, and in your personal life. If you believe you can do something, you can!
2. Don’t let your past experiences and misgivings hold you back from success. The best thing I ever did for myself was to realize that I can be more than where I came from. That ideology alone will give you the drive to escape negativity
~ With love, Kylee Moon
ADVICE FROM FIRST ASCENT GRADUATES
CONGRATULATIONS FIRST ASCENT SCHOLARS!
I’m so happy to have new amazing students in our family! For your first year I am going to be totally honest, it’s quite hard to adjust, but here is some advice:
1. Go to the First Ascent staff for any help you need! They are gurus and can help you with anything or connect you with who can.
2. Join clubs! Get involved. My biggest mistake was not getting involved my first year. I feel like I missed out.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors for help!
4. Meet people, have fun, be young!
5. Sit in the front row of a class with 100+ students, and always ask questions!
~ Elissa Glass
CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING AWARDED THE FIRST ASCENT SCHOLARSHIP!
I just wanted to let you know that you are all awesome and smart! College is a new world where we learn and treat ourselves like adults. My college advice would be to use your times wisely and turn every assignment in on time. One thing I have learned is that college equals time! So, if you manage your time and do your best, you should be just fine.
~ Horzie Founta
Boulingui
WELCOME!
1. Be ready to devote a lot of time.
2. Do not procrastinate.
3. Be on time to events!
4. Be devoted to your classes.
5. Don’t slack!
6. Socialize.
7. Use your resources!
8. Utilize First Ascent staff.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class.
10. Have fun!
~ Natalie Lam
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES FIRST ASCENT OFFERS!
Don’t take the easy way out of things. The First Ascent staff and your mentors are there for a reason. It’s important that you ask for help. Any question is never a dumb question! Just try to be prepared because, believe it or not, college is way different from high school! If a class is ever harder than you think, don’t let your guard down. There is help given everywhere on campus. You just have to be willing to seek and get as much help as you need. Good luck on your first year! Congrats on being accepted. The first year is always the hardest, but that’s what makes college a great experience. Keep up the good work! You’re one step further to a greater success. We are here for you whenever you need it.
~
Fa Tuuhetaufa
ABOUT UMAIL
UMail is the official form of communication at the University of Utah. All University students, faculty and staff receive a free email account from the @utah.edu domain and/or a departmental email address (i.e., @law.utah.edu, @eccles.utah.edu, etc.). It can be accessed at www.umail.utah.edu.
Note: UMail is accessed with the same uNID and password used to log on to Campus Information Services (CIS).
HOW TO ACCESS UMAIL
SYNCING UMAIL
MESSAGES, CALENDAR, AND CONTACTS WITH MOBILE DEVICES
First Ascent Scholars will ask you to sync your Umail to your phone. If you would like to get ahead on this, please use this guide to help you set it up.
Exchange Server ActiveSync is the preferred configuration method for most mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices. This configuration will enable synchronization of messages, calendar, and contact items from your UMail account with your device.
Note: It is highly recommended that mobile devices used to access UMail (or other University data) be password-protected prior to setting up UMail.
UMAIL SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
Basic information
• Username: your uNID@umail.utah.edu (e.g. u0123456@umail.utah.edu)
• Password: your uNID password
• Server name: “www.umail.utah.edu”
Start the email and/or calendar configuration. The configuration settings need to be as follows:
• Email: your.address@utah.edu (if required)
Note: For hospital accounts, the format is first.last@hsc.utah.edu (and it is required)
• Username: your uNID
Note: If there is no domain field required, your uNID@umail.utah.edu
• Password: your uNID password
• Domain: umail.utah.edu (if required)
• Select Save Password
• Server name: www.umail.utah.edu
Exchange 2010 uses an SSL connection. Accept policies if prompted. Exchange 2010 requires certain policies, but these should not impact your devices. Users experiencing difficulties configuring devices should contact their local technical support for assistance, or call the campus help desk at (801) 581-4000 option 1. Users should consult the product manual for their device or contact their wireless carrier for other support.
ENROLLMENT COMMITMENT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
STEP 1:
Go to http://admissions.utah.edu/confirm/, click on the large red “confirm intent to enroll now” button, then log in with uNID and password (which you received in your admissions letter)
STEP 2:
Review and check the acknowledgment boxes, type in name and then hit continue (see below)
STEP 3:
You will be directed to following screen that describes the payment or request for an extension options.
Note: Should you be unable to pay the $150 enrollment deposit you can select “Request an Enrollment Deposit extension” and notify the First Ascent Scholars program. We will work with admissions to provide you more time in completing this step.
STEP 4:
Once the enrollment fee process is complete, you will be able to register for New Student Orientation (you may need to wait 24 hours to allow the systems to align before doing orientation).
FIRST ASCENT SCHOLARS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
MENTEE INFORMATION
Mentoring is a special partnership between two people based on commitment to the mentoring process, common goals/expectations of the partnership, trust, and respect.
Mentoring is both a “Get and Give” experience with the goal of providing a rich and rewarding experience for both partners. We ask you to share your information so the First Ascent Scholars program director can match you in a peer and professional mentoring relationship. Both you and your recommended mentors will have the opportunity to agree to the pairing before you are assigned to work together.
TIPS FOR MENTEES
Mentee Roles and Responsibilities
Your development depends on exploring career aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses, collaborating on means to “get there,” implementing strategies, and evaluating along the way. Your mentor will provide the “light” for you to follow. Learning from the wisdom and past experiences of your mentor will serve you well and produce great benefits. Here are a few roles and responsibilities to help you in the process:
• Commit to your development.
• Assume responsibility for acquiring or improving skills and knowledge.
• Be open and honest on your goals, expectations, challenges and concerns.
• Actively listen and question.
• Build a supportive and trusting environment.
• Seek advice, opinion, feedback, and direction from your mentor.
• Be open to constructive criticism/feedback and ask for it.
RECEIVING FEEDBACK - CHECKLIST FOR MENTEES
Think of feedback as a learning opportunity. When receiving feedback:
Do use:
• Good eye contact – no scary stares
• Interested/neutral facial expression
• Nodding of head to show understanding or agreement
• Calm tone of voice
Do not use:
• Reduced eye contact, scowling, or narrowing of eyes
• Tense or aggressive posture
• Rocking, pen bouncing, hand wringing, or your specific version of nervousness/defensiveness
• Come to your meetings prepared with a clear idea of what topics or issues you want to address.
• Respect your mentor’s time and resources.
• Apply what you learn from your meetings back at school.
• Give feedback to your mentor on what is or is not working..
• Interact with your mentor at scheduled events for the program
• Even voice volume
• Sitting slightly forward
• Relaxed arm and hand placement
• Hands on hips or tightly clenched
• Arms tightly crossed across chest
Understand this relationship is a two-way street. Even if you may disagree, don’t interrupt when the other person is explaining. If you need more information ask for clarification or specific examples. Paraphrase and repeat back to make sure you understood what was said. Keep doing this until you are clear on the feedback. Say things like:
• What I understood you just told me was…………………………………..
• When I _________________ you think I…………………........................
• What I hear you say is if I_________________ I will…………………….
Provide relevant background information and explanations – not excuses. In your last meeting with your mentor, you may not have given enough background and there may have been a misunderstanding – elaborate if necessary.
Listen carefully and don’t become defensive. Do not “think ahead” preparing a rebuttal to a comment, you may miss a very important piece of information.
Compare this feedback with others you’ve received.
Discuss strategies and next steps. Provide possible solutions – you are the captain of your ship.
Seek follow-up to your feedback session and share your progress with your mentor.
HOW TO BE A GOOD MENTEE
Jill Marchus, president of Something Classic and The Green Goddess, a hospitality company and a green initiative, met her mentor Mary Cantando, Founder and Growth Expert of WomanBusinessOwner.com, through the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO). Marchus gives this advice about being a good mentee:
1. Keep it easy; natural; organic if you can. Know your limits - don’t pull too much. Push every once in a while.
2. Utilize Technology. Email, email, email. It allows your mentor to mentor you on their own schedule and in their free time.
3. Know your Mentor. Learn about your mentor. Get to know them personally. Find out what they like to listen to, what books they like to read, movies they enjoy, family details etc. (but only if they’re willing to divulge). This helps you respond to them and also thank them in ways that are important to them.
4. Keep confidentiality. Never disclose to others your discussions.
5. Find opportunities to make time for your mentor.
6. Follow up on your mentor’s suggestions. Even if you are unable to implement them for some reason, let them know why.
7. Share your success with your mentor. Share any milestones, achievements, or awards received with your mentor.
