Five steps to building a strong relationship with your career mentor

By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Lorinda Mohwinkel, Senior Career Coach, Graduate and Career Services

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A career mentor can be one of the most valuable resources in your professional life. The right mentor offers guidance, introduces you to new opportunities and provides honest feedback that can help you grow. But the potential benefits of mentorship aren’t a given –  you’ll get the best results when you take an active role.

Like any meaningful relationship, mentorship thrives on effort and communication. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate or a working professional, here are five tips to develop and maintain your relationship with your career mentor.

1. Step up as a mentee

Good mentorship starts with being a good mentee. Show your mentor that you value their time and insight.

• Come prepared with questions
• Listen carefully and take notes
• Put advice into practice, then share your results
• Respect their schedule and always say thank you

When you demonstrate commitment, your mentor is more likely to invest deeply in your success.

2. Set clear career goals

One of the best ways to work with a mentor is to clarify your goals from the beginning. Your mentor can’t help you chart a path if you don’t know where you’re headed. Think about what you want to achieve. Which of these best describes your career goals?

• Advance in your current role
• Explore a new industry
• Develop leadership or communication skills

Write your objectives down and revisit them together regularly. Clear goals keep the relationship focused and measurable.

3. Agree on communication

Consistency is key to successful mentorship. Early on, decide together how you’ll stay connected and what works best for you.

Consider outlining:

• How often you’ll meet – weekly, monthly or quarterly
• How you’ll meet and communicate – via video call, email or phone
• How you’ll follow up and share updates – to stay accountable and track progress

Setting expectations up front can prevent misunderstandings and help you both stay engaged and accountable.

4. Make mentorship a two-way exchange

The most rewarding mentoring relationships are conversations, not lectures. Stay open to feedback, but also:

• Share your own ideas and experiences
• Ask questions that challenge your thinking
• Engage in respectful dialogue that benefits both of you

When mentors see that you’re equally invested, the relationship becomes a true partnership.

By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Lorinda Mohwinkel, Senior Career Coach, Graduate and Career Services  

5. Keep it fresh and flexible

Strong mentoring relationships adapt over time. Instead of sticking to the same routine, try different approaches:

• Shadow your mentor during a typical workday
• Join them for a professional event, webinar or conference
• Alternate between phone, video or in-person meetings

Mixing it up keeps the relationship engaging and opens the door to new learning experiences.

Build a mentorship that lasts
Career mentors can help you accelerate your growth, but the best results come when you’re proactive. By setting clear goals, committing to open communication and keeping the relationship flexible, you’ll create a mentoring partnership that lasts and sets you up to guide others in the future.