Tips For Your First Meeting

It is sometimes difficult to establish a new professional relationship. Below are some discussion topics to help get your mentorship relationship started. It is not required that you follow these topics, as they are just an assistance tool.
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• Introduce yourself!
  • Mentors: Talk about where you are in the recruiting cycle and the accounting program, your prior job experiences, and how you've obtained these positions.
  • Mentees: Talk about where you are in the recruiting cycle (if known) and in the accounting program, and explain what type of career you would like to pursue.
• Determine each other's expectations & goals!
  • What do each of you want to get out of this relationship?
  • What do you expect from your mentor? From your mentee?
  • Be realistic in your expectations of each other and the semester.
  • Determine a time/location for your bimonthly meetings.
• ​Determine the best form of communications!
• Exchange phone numbers & email addresses.

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Discussion Topics

Topic Regarding Your Career 

• What types of accounting professions are out there for me?
• What is the difference between public accounting firms and industry companies?
• What is the difference between audit and tax?
• How do I decide what kind of career path to take?
• How does the recruiting cycle work?
• How do I know where I am in the recruiting cycle?
• What do I need to do to prepare for my CPA, CMA, CIA or any other type of professional certificate?

Topics Regarding Networking

• What do I wear to networking events?
• What types of questions should I ask a recruiter / professional?
• How should I maintain a relationship with a professional?
• What types of networking events should I attend?
• How do I keep myself from being nervous during a networking event?​​