By Jasmine Cofield, PA-C
Finding a mentor can make a world of difference in your journey to becoming a PA and navigating your first few years of practice. A mentor can guide you through challenges, provide insights into the profession, and even connect you with new opportunities. But a great mentorship relationship doesn’t happen by chance—it requires effort, preparation, and intentionality on your part as a mentee.
Here are five tips to help you be a great mentee and cultivate a mentorship relationship that sets you up for success.
- Seek Mentors Who Align with Your Goals and Values
The best mentorships are built on shared values and goals. When seeking a mentor, consider someone whose career path, specialties, or personal mission aligns with yours. Whether it’s a PA practicing in a specialty you’re passionate about or someone with a commitment to community health, finding the right match is essential.
Actionable Step:
- Use professional networks like LinkedIn or AAPA’s Mentor Match program to find mentors who share your interests.
- Use social media platforms to connect with PA influencers and ambassadors by searching relevant hashtags and larger organizations’ followings.
- Take Initiative and Be Proactive
Mentors often have busy schedules, so it’s crucial to take the lead in establishing the relationship. Reach out first and express why you’re interested in their guidance. Demonstrating eagerness and a clear purpose for the mentorship shows that you value their time and expertise.
Pro Tip:
When contacting a potential mentor, personalize your message. For example, mention specific aspects of their career that inspire you and explain how their mentorship could help you achieve your goals.
Sample Language:
- “Hi [Mentor’s Name], I’m [Your Name], a pre-PA student. I’ve been following your work in [specific specialty or field] and admire your contributions to [specific area]. I’d love the opportunity to learn from your experiences as I navigate my own journey into the PA profession. Would you be open to a brief conversation about your career path and advice for someone in my position?”
- “I’m impressed by your background in [specific area, e.g., rural healthcare or cardiology]. I aspire to work in a similar field and was hoping you could share insights on how you pursued this path.”
- Time Matters: How to Respect and Maximize Your Mentor’s Availability
Your mentor is likely balancing a full schedule, so it’s essential to approach the relationship with respect and clarity. Start by asking what works best for them in terms of communication and meeting frequency. Establishing these expectations upfront shows your consideration and makes the relationship smoother for both parties.
Key Tips:
- Ask for their preferred method of communication (e.g., email, phone, or virtual meetings).
- Inquire about their availability for check-ins and follow-ups.
- Offer flexibility and work around their schedule to minimize any burden.
Sample Questions:
- “What’s your preferred way to stay in touch? Would email or a quick call work better for you?”
- “What times typically work best for you if we were to set up a meeting or check-in?”
- “If I don’t hear back from you, what’s an appropriate amount of time for me to follow up?”
Actionable Step:
- After your first meeting, send a follow-up email summarizing the discussion, key takeaways, and agreed-upon next steps to show that you value their time and input.
- Maintain a Professional Online Presence
Your online presence is often the first impression your mentor or potential employers will have of you. Make sure it reflects professionalism. Keep social media accounts private if they’re personal, and ensure platforms like LinkedIn are up to date and showcase your accomplishments and goals.
Pro Tip:
Invest in a professional headshot and use it across your LinkedIn profile and other relevant platforms. This small step can significantly enhance how you’re perceived.
Actionable Step:
- Use LinkedIn to create a polished profile. Add a professional summary, highlight your healthcare experience, and connect with other pre-PAs and PAs.
- Consider using free graphic design resources like Canva to create a polished resume or portfolio.
- Follow Up and Stay Consistent
Strong mentorship relationships thrive on consistent communication and follow-ups. If you don’t hear back after reaching out, don’t take it personally—your mentor may be swamped. Instead, circle back respectfully, keeping your tone professional and understanding.
Pro Tip:
Agree on how often to check in with your mentor—monthly, quarterly, or as needed—and stick to that schedule.
Actionable Step:
- Use tools like Google Calendar to schedule reminders for check-ins and send follow-up messages on time.
Final Thoughts
Mentorship is a two-way street. As a mentee, your preparation, professionalism, and enthusiasm are key to building a strong, impactful relationship. By seeking the right mentors, being proactive, respecting their time, maintaining a professional image, and following up consistently, you can create a mentorship relationship that benefits both you and your mentor.
Start implementing these tips today and watch your mentorship journey flourish!
Jasmine Cofield, PA-C, is a dedicated Physician Assistant, consultant, and co-founder of Physician Assistants of Color (ThePAC), a national organization committed to increasing diversity and representation within the PA profession. With a background in neuroscience and psychology, Jasmine has spent her career blending clinical expertise with impactful leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. Her work through ThePAC has supported over 350 students in gaining admission to PA programs nationwide. Passionate about mentorship, Jasmine believes in empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals by fostering meaningful connections and creating spaces for growth and excellence. She has clinical background in urgent care and family medicine but now passionately practices in psychiatry and mental health.