Once you’ve created your Career Connect profile and matched with a mentor, it’s time to set yourself up for a meaningful conversation. The more prepared you are, the more rewarding the experience will be for both you and your mentor. Here’s our best tips:
Do your homework
Understand the industry: You only have 45 minutes with your mentor, and it’ll fly by. You don’t want to waste time covering things you could have easily Googled. If you’re new to investment management or advice, get across the fundamentals before your meeting. Our resource hub is a great place to start, with articles on the key players, sectors and roles within the industry, difference between investment management and investment banking, basics of financial modelling and much more.
The more groundwork you do, the more time you’ll have to dive into the insights, personal experiences and industry knowledge you can’t find online. That’s where the real value lies.
Research your mentor: Look up their LinkedIn profile, read any articles they’ve written or been quoted in, and explore their firm’s website. This gives you valuable context and insights to guide your questions.
Prepare questions and topics
Come with focus: Identify the specific topics you want to explore and prepare thoughtful questions. You might ask about their investment philosophy or approach to decision-making, career milestones and lessons they've learned, or a market trend you’re particularly curious about.
Use the Recommended Agenda: Click the ‘See Recommended Agenda’ button on the platform for a tailored conversation guide based on your profile and interests, and your mentor’s expertise. This is a great tool and offers questions to ask and topics to explore.
Respect their time
Be prepared and punctual: Your mentor is generously giving up part of their day to support you, so don’t keep them waiting. Aim to join the call or meeting a few minutes early so you're calm, bring your notes and be ready to go.
Test your tech: If it's a virtual meeting, check your internet connection, video and audio setup in advance. Nothing eats into a short meeting faster than avoidable tech issues.
No shows are unacceptable: If you can’t make your meeting, give your mentor as much notice as possible to cancel or reschedule. Failing to show up without notice is unprofessional and disrespectful. It will be noted on your profile and will limit future opportunities to connect with mentors.
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