Tips for Being the Best Mentee

What makes for a good mentor: an adviser, a colleague, a trusted friend, or a confidant? It could be all of these aspects, or a few, or even one. Mentors can come in many forms, and often emerging CPAs will have several mentors during their accounting careers. But which role the mentor performs is probably less of a priority than the connection you build. Making the most out of your mentor meetings not only enhances the relationship between you and your mentor, but it will also set you up for success.

Mentors Come in Many Forms

In a previous Pennsylvania CPA Journal article, Rachael Weir discussed the different types of mentors an Emerging CPA can potentially encounter: a work-buddy mentor, a career mentor, a personal life mentor, and/or an unattached mentor.¹

A work-buddy mentor is someone from the office that has a few years of experience that helps you during your first year or two. They offer advice on assimilating into the office, and they can offer their experience as a former new hire. A career mentor is normally an experienced professional, maybe a senior manager or partner, who can help you navigate your career. Sometimes, these individuals are assigned as part of a formal mentoring program at your firm or place of employment. A personal life mentor is someone that supports you outside the office, and an unattached mentor is someone who has no affiliation to your place of employment. They are often a former professor, college friend, or a former colleague that can offer an outside perspective.²

Being a Good Mentee

Like any relationship, the mentor-mentee dynamic cannot be one-sided. The mentee must work at the connection, too, to get the most out of the mentorship. Below are a few tips to ensure that you gain the most out of your mentor relationship.

Set clear mentoring goals – To get the most value out of your mentor relationship, you should reflect on the key areas where a mentor can best help you. Think of your pursuits and how your mentor can assist you in achieving your goal. Once you determine your goals, write them down and periodically revisit them as your career progresses.

Set expectations – Your mentor will more than likely have a very busy schedule. Each party should share their expectations so there is a mutual understanding of the relationship. Discuss how often and how long you will meet, as well as the structure of your meeting. Your mentor will appreciate your consideration.

Clearly communicate requests – Your mentor needs to know how they can best help you. Clearly articulate your goals and any requests you might have. Be specific when seeking advice.

Be your genuine self – It is important that you are honest about your professional and personal goals. Take the time to share your background, your experiences, and goals for the future.

Actively listen – Often, we tune out information that we think does not apply to us. Your mentor, however, has more experience and will offer their insights on important topics. It is important to actively listen to their advice and guidance. You never know what you might learn.

Be open to feedback – Your mentor knows what is going on. It is important to be open to any feedback they may share with you. Whether the feedback is general or technical, they are sharing it for your benefit and growth. Dr. Amanda Marcy offered great tips for effectively receiving feedback in the fall 2023 issue of Pennsylvania CPA Journal.³

Express gratitude – Your mentor is supporting your career and personal aspirations. It is important to thank your mentor and show appreciation for how they are making a difference for you. Tell them when their guidance has made an impact on your professional or personal life and any relevant outcomes.

Finding a Mentor

Often, a formal mentor will be assigned to you through your company or accounting firm; other times a relationship with a senior member will develop organically. Sometimes, however, it is not easy, especially if you are just starting out in your career. If you are having trouble finding a mentor, there are resources available. The AICPA Online Mentoring Program matches mentors and mentees that have similar backgrounds and interests.

Mentoring plays a pivotal role in development and growth. It promotes a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, and it can enhance retention and job satisfaction in the workplace.⁴ Emerging CPAs can set themselves up for success by ensuring they make the most out of their mentor meetings. 

¹ Rachael Weir, “Mentors Come in Many Forms,” Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Vol. 86 (4) 14-15 (2016).

² Ibid.

³ Amanda Marcy, “Feedback: The Gift that Keep on Giving,” Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Vol. 94 (3) 18-19 (2023).

⁴ Oliver Arthur, “Nurturing Success: Mentoring in a Public Accounting Firm,” CPA Now (Dec. 27, 2023).