Keep in touch

Keeping in touch with a mentor is your responsibility since it is a relationship born out of your initiation. Don't expect mentors to be in charge of your regular communication since they may be busy. Find time to send a thank you message after every session, state your interest in having more sessions, or simply share your insights after the session.

Moreover, if you need async feedback, don’t pressure the mentor excessively, unless quick responses are part of your agreement.

If you have agreed on regular sessions, be proactive in scheduling them unless you already have a recurring meeting set up.

You can also message them a week later and describe your impressions of a book, article, online course, or resource your mentor recommended. If needed, you can suggest scheduling a meeting to discuss the topic in more detail.

Also, don't forget to share your wins! For example, if you followed a mentor's recommendation on conducting a user interview, tell them how it went and what revelations you received. Share your misfortunes too. Learning includes sharing both successes and failures. It can be valuable for your mentor to tailor your learning path to your current situation.