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Career Development Center Career Resources
Sample Questions to Ask

Before meeting with your mentor, think about what you would like to learn from this experience. Prepare an agenda and a list of questions to ask your mentor.

The better prepared you are, the more you will benefit from the experience. You will get more information by asking open-ended questions (i.e., questions that cannot be answered with a "yes" or "no").

Please remember never to ask your mentor about his/her salary.
* Welcome to Pathways!
* How the Program Works
* What is Pathways?
* Student Guidelines
* Sample Questions to Ask
* Making the Most of Your Match
* Sample Thank You Letter

About Your Mentor...

  • What is your background?
  • Describe your career path. How have you progressed to your present position?
  • What is a typical day like for you?
  • What are your duties or responsibilities?
  • What do you like or dislike about your job?
  • What is most rewarding about your job?
  • What college courses have been most helpful to your career?
  • What additional training have you had beyond your college career?
  • How does your career affect your lifestyle?
  • What are the important charcteristics (personal traits/qualities) for someone entering this field?

About the Industry...

  • What types of degrees, skills and experiences are necessary for this field?
  • Describe the changes taking place in your field. What are the projected future trends?
  • How has the field changed since you first started your career?
  • What is a major challenge you face today?
  • Do you have flexibility in terms of your work hours? Vacation time?
  • Are you required to work many evenings or week-ends?
  • How much travel is involved with a job in your field?
  • What are the best ways for a person to get into and progress in your field?
  • What are the criteria for success in your field?
  • How is the job market for your field in this area of the country? Is it difficult to find an opening? Is there an area that's best for starting such a career?

About the Organization...

  • How is the organization structured?
  • What is the organization's philosophy?
  • How does your position interact with other departments?
  • What is your understanding of the "career path" in this field from entry level upward?
  • What type of training would a new employee in this field receive?
  • How are decisions made in this organization?
  • How do I apply for jobs in this industry?

Related Skills and Experience...

  • What factors do you consider to be most important when hiring a new employee?
  • What advice do you have for someone planning to start a career in this field?
  • Can you offer any suggestions regarding my resume?

Rensselaer Career Development Center - Darrin Communications Center, Suite 209
Phone: (518) 276-6234  CDC Contact Form (Please allow 48 business hours for a reply)
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