The first session with your mentee is essential. Besides introducing you to each other, it sets the basic guidelines for the future communication. A well established rapport between the mentor and the mentee is a key to the successful mentoring process. In a way, the mentor is a guardian of this rapport, primarily because of his/her rich knowledge and experience. It should be clear from the beginning that mentor’s role is not to solve mentee’s problems and challenges, but to support him/her in dealing with them.

According to the experience gained from the “Creative Mentorship” programme, it is fundamental that the mentor prepares for the first mentoring session – reflects on his/her expectations, as well as on what (s)he can offer and suggest to the mentee in the upcoming period.

• Think about topics from your private and professional life that you would like to share with your mentee.
• Why did you decide to be a mentor?
• What could you offer to your mentee?
• What questions will you ask him/her – how will you lead the conversation?
• How would you like to arrange the frequency and topics of your sessions?
• How will you know whether the mentoring process is functioning? What will be the indicator of a(n) (un)successful mentoring process?