Tips for Mentees Signing Up for Mentorship at the 2025 Queens Borough President’s Office Career & Tech Expo
If you’re signing up for mentorship sessions at the 2025 Queens Borough President’s Office Career & Tech Expo, here are quick, actionable tips to help you make the most of your time with your WERULE mentor.
Whether you're a student exploring career options, a recent graduate navigating your next steps, or a professional looking to pivot or level up, mentorship can provide invaluable guidance. The 2025 Queens Borough President’s Office Career & Tech Expo is a unique opportunity to connect with experienced mentors from diverse fields, and maximizing these brief sessions can make a huge difference in your personal and professional growth. To ensure you get the most out of your time with your mentor, here are some actionable tips to help you prepare, stay focused, and walk away with clear next steps for your career.
General Tips for All Topics
Be Clear About Your Goals
Think about what you want to gain from the session (e.g., advice, feedback, connections).
Ask Specific Questions
Avoid broad questions like, "What should I do with my life?" Instead, ask things like, "What skills should I develop for a role in X?"
Stay Open-Minded
You may not meet the perfect mentor for your career path, but any experienced professional can share valuable insights.
Keep It Professional
Introduce yourself briefly and confidently: name, background, goals, and what you’re seeking advice on.
Take Notes
Bring a notepad or use your phone to jot down key takeaways during your session.
Tips for Specific Topics
1. Career Advice
How to Prepare:
Share your interests, current skills, and any challenges you're facing.
Be ready to ask questions about career paths and trends.
Sample Questions:
"What advice would you give someone entering this industry?"
"What’s the best way to grow in my current role or pivot to a new one?"
2. College and Grad School Advice
How to Prepare:
Mention your current academic status and goals.
If considering grad school, share the programs or schools you’re interested in.
Sample Questions:
"How do I decide if grad school is the right next step?"
"What’s the best way to strengthen my application?"
3. Current Opportunities in Tech
How to Prepare:
Briefly share your tech-related skills or interests.
Mention any specific roles or companies you’re interested in.
Sample Questions:
"Are there bootcamps or certifications you’d recommend?"
"What emerging technologies should I focus on to stay competitive?
4. Career Networking
How to Prepare:
Think about your current networking efforts or challenges.
Be ready to ask how to grow your professional connections.
Sample Questions:
"What’s the best way to make meaningful connections in my field?"
"How do I stay in touch with people I meet at events like this?"
5. Mentorship
How to Prepare:
Be ready to discuss what kind of guidance or support you need.
Sample Questions:
"How do I approach someone to be my mentor?"
"What can I do to build a strong mentor-mentee relationship?"
6. Interview Prep
How to Prepare:
Mention the roles or industries you’re interviewing for.
Share any specific concerns about the interview process.
Sample Questions:
"What’s the best way to answer behavioral interview questions?"
"How do I prepare for technical or industry-specific interviews?"
7. Resume Reviews
How to Prepare:
Have a printed or digital copy of your resume ready.
Sample Questions:
"What are the most important sections to highlight for my field?"
"How can I improve the formatting or content of my resume?"
8. Self-Confidence and Mindset
How to Prepare:
Be honest about where you feel stuck or lacking confidence.
Sample Questions:
"How do I build confidence when I feel underqualified?"
"What strategies do you use to overcome challenges?"
9. Technical Questions
How to Prepare:
Have specific technical topics, tools, or challenges in mind.
Sample Questions:
"What’s the best way to get started with [specific technology]?"
"What trends in tech should I be aware of right now?"
10. Other Topics
How to Prepare:
Bring up any unique challenges or areas where you want guidance.
Sample Questions:
"How do I balance personal and professional growth?"
"What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d received earlier in your career?"
Quick Reminders for On-the-Spot Sign-Ups
Be Flexible: You may not get your first-choice mentor or topic, but every conversation has value.
Be Respectful of Time: Keep your questions concise and stay within your session’s time limit.
Follow Up: If you connect with a mentor, ask if you can stay in touch or schedule a longer session later through the WERULE app.
