Mentoring in the Sciences
Example Mentee Questions
Compiled here is a list of potential questions you can ask a Mentor:
Questions about your mentor’s career path/training:
- What kind of education/training do you have?
- What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
- How has your path changed since leaving school?
- What is the most important skill set you acquired during your career?
- How did you manage the transition from school to work? How did you get into this field?
- What path led you to this position?
- How did you get your first job post-graduation?
- What has your career path been like to date? Is it representative of most people in this kind of position?
- How important is a graduate degree, designation, or additional certificate in this field?
- Are you a member of any professional orders or associations? Which ones do you feel are the most important to belong to?
- What are the future prospects like in this field? What trends do you see developing over the next few years?
- If you could change any aspects of your career, what would you change?
Questions about their current position and responsibilities:
- How did you obtain your current position?
- What are your primary job responsibilities?
- What does a typical day/week in your job look like?
- With whom do you primarily interact?
- What do you enjoy the most about your job? The least?
- What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
- What kind of professional development opportunities are available?
- Are there many opportunities for advancement in this position/organization?
- Who are the people who usually excel in this field/position? What personal qualities do you need to succeed?
- What types of skills and experiences are key to succeeding in your position?
- What is your next career goal? What career advancement options are available in this field?
Questions about working conditions:
- How many hours do you work in an average week?
- How much autonomy do you have in terms of what you focus on at work?
- What kind of supervision did you have when you were starting out? Currently?
- How is your performance evaluated?
- How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, hours, vacation or job location?
- How would you describe your work environment?
- How is your company’s culture different than the academic culture?
Questions relating to your current situation and future goals:
- What advice would you like to have heard when you were starting out?
- How would you recommend I “try out” this line of work while I am still in school?
- Do you have any recommendations with regards to useful courses to take or extracurricular activities to be involved with?
- Are there any other fields or jobs you would suggest I research/explore?
- How do people find out about job openings in this field? Are they advertised? If so, where?
- Are there any professional societies, LinkedIn groups, conferences or meetings I should participate in?
- When should I start applying for positions and forwarding my resume?
- How is a typical job interview in this industry conducted?
- Is there anyone else in this field you would recommend I talk to? When I call them, may I mention that you referred me?
Questions about the Biotech and Pharma Industry:
- What are the key challenges facing Biotech and Pharma now and in the future?
- What are the differences between Biotech, Pharma and Contract Research Organizations?
- What are the “Hot” therapeutic areas and techniques?
- What skills are in demand?
- What is the difference between a start-up, small, midsize and large company?
- Which companies are leaders in my therapeutic interest area?