What to Prepare Before Your First Mentorship Meeting

So you’ve been matched with a mentor - amazing! Now what?

Mentorship isn’t a job interview or a counseling session, it’s a conversation. A relationship. Something that could genuinely shape your future and your faith.

Here’s how to walk into your first meeting feeling prepared, not over-rehearsed, and open to whatever God has in store.

1. Get Clear on Why You’re Here

You don’t need a five-year plan, but you do need to know what drew you to mentorship in the first place.

Ask yourself:

• What do I hope to get out of this?
  
  
• What am I curious about in my life or career right now?
  
  
• Is there something I’m discerning and want to talk through?

Write down one sentence. Just one. That’s your starting point.

2. Jot Down 3 “Not-Small Talk” Questions

This meeting isn’t for chit-chat, it’s for real talk. Come with questions you actually care about. Here are some real ones people ask:

• “How did you know you were on the right path?”
  
  
• “What do you do when you feel stuck or unsure in your faith?”
  
  
• “How do you stay ambitious without getting burned out?”
  
  
• “Have you ever had a job that wasn’t aligned with your values?”
  
  

You don’t need the “right” questions, just honest ones.

3. Have a Few Bullet Points About Yourself

Your mentor doesn’t need your résumé, they need context. Try this:

• Where you’re at (work, life, faith)
  
  
• A challenge you’ve been facing lately
  
  
• Something you’re excited about
  
  
• A fun fact (seriously, mentors love knowing you’re a real human)

Think of it like the first five minutes of a solid coffee conversation.

4. Be Ready to Lead the Logistics

Your mentor isn’t going to run this thing, that’s on you. (But don’t worry, it’s not that deep.)

Come prepared to:

• Suggest how often you meet (monthly is a good start)
  
  
• Choose how to meet (Zoom, coffee, call — whatever works)
  
  
• Offer to follow up (a quick email recap or next steps goes a long way)
  
  

Pro tip: Scheduling the next meeting before you leave is 💯.

5. Pray (Even if It’s Just 15 Seconds in the Car)

Seriously. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your conversation. Even a simple “God, help me show up honestly and listen well” goes a long way.

This isn’t just about getting good advice, it’s about forming a relationship rooted in trust, growth, and grace.

Last Thought:

You don’t have to be impressive. You just have to be you.
Curious. Honest. Willing to show up.

Your mentor said “yes” for a reason, trust that.

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