EN
Film-style poster for the Just Ask presentation

A guide for mentees A guide for mentees

How to ask an alumnus for twenty minutes and use them to learn about a career.

ENDEESFRITNLPTTR

What this guide covers

What this guide covers

What this guide covers

Why they say yes

People say yes more than you think

We underestimate how often others agree to help when asked directly.

48% How far people underestimate how often others agree to a direct request Bohns, Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2016

A first message

Write a short first message

Say who you are, what you are exploring and one clear question.

Five questions

Prepare five questions, best first

Put the question you care about most first, in case time runs out.

  • What does a typical week look like?
  • What do you wish you had known?
  • What makes a new starter stand out?
  • What would you do in my place?
  • Who else should I talk to?

Your introduction

Introduce yourself in ninety seconds

Have an answer ready for the question of how they can help.

  • Who I am subject and year
  • What I am exploring one field
  • Why you your path
  • My question the first of five

Learn, do not ask for a job

Ask to learn, not for a job

Use the talk to understand the work, and end by asking for a name.

  • Who else should I talk to? The best closing question.
  • Can you get me an interview? Too much for a first talk.

Doing it on Mentornity

Ask on Mentornity

The mentor list, open slots and reminders take care of the logistics.

Find an alumni mentor

Browse the mentor list and send your request.

Book a free slot

Times show in your own time zone.

Fill in the meeting form

If your program uses one, it reopens with answers saved.

Turn on browser push

Bookings, changes and messages reach you at once.

Find an alumni mentor

Browse the mentor list and send your request.

Rachel B.Board governance 1 spot left Request
Michael C.Project leadership 3 spots left Request
Susan W.First 5 years Full Full
The mentor accepts, or the program team approves

Book a free slot

Times show in your own time zone.

Fill in the meeting form

If your program uses one, it reopens with answers saved.

Turn on browser push

Bookings, changes and messages reach you at once.

Send one message this week

Pick one alumnus whose path you want to understand and ask for twenty minutes.

Sign in to Mentornity Read the guide
Sign in to Mentornity Sign in Read the guide