SME Mentee Guide

Channels of Communication

Communication within the program will primarily take place through the following channels:

• Email: Sandy Wilton will provide updates and important information via email. She may try text or phone calls in case of no response.
• Check-ins with Program Manager: Mentees will be required to participate in a check-in every month with the Program Manager. This will be by email, scheduled on Teams, or via phone call.
• Although there are regular check-ins every other month, Sandy is always available to address questions, concerns, and issues related to the program.
• Meetings with your Mentor: It is up to you and your mentor to have meetings based on the program schedule. The program requires a meeting every other month, but you and your mentor can decide the frequency of communication that works best for you. We recommend the meetings to be face-to-face such as zoom, teams, google meets, etc.
• In-Person Meetings: The program does not require in-person meetings or meet-ups. However, if you decide that you would like to meet your mentor in-person during the program duration, please notify the program manager of plans.

Program Schedule for the 2025-2026 Cycle
Please keep in mind that the meetings outlined here represent the minimum required interactions between mentors and mentees. We encourage you to maintain open communication with your mentorship pairing and to establish a meeting rhythm that works best for both of you!

Please note that the schedule may be subject to change.

Your first meeting can be a bit nerve-wracking, so here are some tips to make it more comfortable and productive:

1. Introduction: Begin by sharing background information about yourself. Take this opportunity to talk about your experiences and interests.
2. Goals and Objectives: Discuss and set both short-term and long-term goals. These might include specific skills to develop, career aspirations, or other personal and professional milestones. It helps if you come to the meeting with some ideas of what goals you’d like to work on.
3. Q&A: Use this time to ask questions. This is an opportunity for you to seek advice on challenges and for the mentor to understand how best to offer support.
4. Logistics and Expectations: Agree on the details for future meetings, including their frequency, format (e.g., Teams, Zoom, FaceTime), preferred times, and communication methods. Additionally, clearly outline and agree on each other's expectations for the mentorship, including the level of support and whether mentees can reach out between scheduled meetings.

Take advantage of the SME Member Benefits! There are numerous opportunities for you to connect with your mentee through SME Membership offerings such as the regularly scheduled Engagement Activities. 

Explore All Topics

This list will help decide what ideas and topics you want to work on with your mentor. Pick a few that you would like to focus on during the mentorship:

Code of Ethics:

• Respect: Treat your mentor the way you’d want to be treated! Be respectful and professional.
• Commitment: Actively participate in the mentor-mentee relationship, attend scheduled meetings, and complete agreed-upon tasks.
• Openness: Be open, honest, and receptive to feedback and guidance from your mentors.
• Confidentiality: Trust is important! Mentors may share private or sensitive information with you.

A Mentee’s Role:

• Set Clear Objectives: Identify skills, knowledge, and goals you would like to learn and achieve through mentorship. (Refer to the Mentorship Conversation Ideas tab.)
• Share Updates: Reach out to your mentor regularly and share your progress, challenges, and achievements for feedback.
• Ask Questions: Seek advice and insights throughout the mentorship, whether that be during your meetings, a quick email, or text.

Please note: If either the mentor or mentee wishes to terminate the mentor-mentee relationship, they should notify their respective program manager as soon as possible. The program managers will work with both parties to ensure a smooth transition and may consider reassignment to a new pairing.