What does it take to be a good Protégé?
ACP mentorships don't require any advanced skills or knowledge, just a familiarity with and a commitment to the mentoring process. In evaluating prospective Protégés, we look for individuals who demonstrate a firm grasp of how to be successful in our program. Below, we offer a few suggestions on how to be a good Protégé:
Be Proactive. Initiate contact with your Mentor at least every few weeks. Remember to thank them every now and then. Learning how to maintain relationships is a critical skill in the business world.
Be Clear. Tell your Mentor what your goals are. They don't have to be complex. Mentors have talent and experience in their respective fields, but they aren't mind-readers. Communicate your goals as clearly and concisely as possible, and work with your Mentor to achieve them.
Be Realistic. Get started as quickly as possible with your Mentor, and develop a plan of action. Try to formulate a mixture of short-term and long-term goals, and make sure they are practical and useful. Setting a solid foundation early on is the key ingredient to a successful mentorship.
