I’m told that “if you’re heading to SXSW Sydney, one of the standout opportunities you don’t want to miss are the Mentor Sessions which give you a chance to connect one-on-one with seasoned professionals in your field, get tailored advice, ask the exact question nagging you, and walk away with fresh momentum.”
Sign-up here: https://www.sxswsydney.com/news/sxsw-sydney-mentor-sessions-fifteen-minutes-that-could-transform-your-future?lid=n3xm7zyi7vl3
These aren’t your usual meet-and-greet networking slots. Instead, they’re focused, high-value, bite-sized coaching sessions, each lasting 15 minutes, designed to make every second count.
I mentored in 2024 and I wasn’t sure the format would work but it really did! Those people who did the best followed these 5 simple steps.
- They planned ahead (one person downloaded some of my papers and ran them through a new research support system they were developing to ground our session)
- Be precise with what you are coming to ask your mentor about
- Be ready to act i.e. ensure you are able to take the mentor feedback (e.g. with notes) and act on it
- Follow up after (for one person I put them in touch with someone else) they followed up and got funding I understand.
- Show respect for time! (for both mentor and mentee) and the next mentee waiting to meet!