Mentors are:

Resources — you can learn about professional norms, career planning, and field-specific practices from them

Coaches — you can practice professional skills with them

Role models — they can share their experiences of living out their faith in their workplaces and balancing work, faith, and family

Trustworthy — they will respect your confidence and allow you to be honest and direct about your career, personal goals, and frustrations

Mentors are not:

HR or union reps — you should address workplace drama or malpractice with the proper personnel

Spiritual directors or counselors — you should address more serious matters of faith and wellbeing with non-volunteer professionals

Agents — you should not expect mentors to advocate for a raise or promotion for you

Your best friends — you should not gossip, vent, or idly chat while meeting with mentors

Sponsors — you should not expect mentors to pay for your expenses