On this page you can find some Do's and Don'ts for mentors as well as mentees. We hope that this will set you up for a productive relationship!


Mentor DOs 

  • Start out with clear agreements on frequency and mode of contact 
  • Commit to at least three hours of interaction, spread across the full timeframe. 
  • Take the initiative to build the relationship. 
  • Honor all appointments and set aside time for mentoring. 
  • Be flexible with meeting times, channels and venues. 
  • Maintain frequent communication through various channels. 
  • Respond to your mentee's emails within 2 days. 
  • Keep shared information confidential. 
  • Establish open and honest communication. 
  • Encourage creativity, independence, and self-confidence. 
  • Provide honest and timely feedback. 
  • Offer opportunities for discussion and questioning. 
  • Above all, listen. 

Mentor DON'Ts 

  • Avoid giving advice on everything—focus on areas of expertise. 
  • Don’t encourage dependence; foster independence. 
  • Share personal experiences only if they are constructive. 
  • Don’t be too busy for your mentee—communicate your availability. 
  • Avoid criticism; provide constructive feedback instead.


Mentee DOs


  • Establish Clear Goals: Create a goal outline with short- and long-term learning objectives. You can consider using your development goals from your personal development plan as a basis. Discuss these at a first meeting with your mentor.
  • Take Initiative: Show genuine interest by actively initiating mentoring sessions and discussions. Use your goals as a guide, but approach each session authentically—finding a style that feels natural to you. 

  • Be Prepared: Bring specific topics, questions, or challenges to your discussions to ensure productive sessions. When you have a meeting scheduled, make sure to have a meeting agenda ready with questions you want to ask or topics you want to discuss.

  • Show Appreciation: Acknowledge the time and insights your mentor shares with you. Building a positive and respectful relationship is key.

  • Set Boundaries: Respect your mentor’s time and role. Avoid expecting them to fast-track your career advancement or assist with personal matters. Make sure to align on communication channels and frequency.

  • Reflect and Take Action: Apply what you learn, reflect on insights, and continue growing as a professional and as part of the AMS community.


Mentee DON'Ts 


  • Come unprepared: Don’t show up to meetings without specific questions or goals.
  • Over-Rely on Your Mentor: Don’t expect your mentor to solve all your problems or find opportunities for you.
  • Ignore Feedback: Don’t dismiss constructive criticism—act on it and use it to improve.
  • Fail to Communicate: Don’t be passive—keep your mentor updated on your progress and challenges.
  • Disrespect Their Time: Don’t be late, unorganized, or over-demanding of their time.
  • Lack Clear Goals: Don’t enter the relationship without defining what you want to achieve.
  • Have Unrealistic Expectations: Don’t expect quick fixes or constant availability.
  • Neglect Follow-Up: Don’t forget to follow up on advice or thank your mentor for their time.
  • Be Close-Minded: Don’t reject new ideas or feedback just because they’re uncomfortable or different.
  • Focus Only on Yourself: Don’t treat the relationship as a one-way street—value your mentor’s time and experience too.


Practical info

Pricing: this service is free of charge
For who?: members of the AMS community which includes alumni and students

Registration: Registration is easy via the amsconnect platform.

This event is exclusively for AMS alumni and students, and will require that you create an account on the AMS alumni platform. If you don't have an account on the platform, now is your chance to sign up and discover the exclusive benefits that you receive as an AMS alum.

Do you already have an account on the platform?
1. log in your account here
2. register for the mentoring here

Are you new to the platform?
1request your account here
2. then come back on the mentoring page here to register



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Frequently asked questions