Describe a time you mentored someone professionally.
"I joined my company as an intern and had the opportunity to work with several mentors who substantially impacted me personally and professionally. I now offer my time to the interns within my department as a mentor every summer. I typically work with two or three of them at a time and work to develop a safe space for them to ask questions and learn more about how to navigate properly within an enterprise setting. Many of them have limited experience, so we discuss topics like office politics and how they can make the best impression as an intern during their short time with the company. I enjoy learning about their projects and offering tips to help them have the best experience possible.
I ask for feedback as we go, and I have learned how to be a better mentor. Every intern is different, and I customize my approach to meet their individual needs. I thoroughly enjoy this aspect of my work and would love the opportunity to mentor students as a Kellogg MBA graduate someday."
Mentoring is a skill and an art. A meaningful mentorship can be incredibly valuable to the mentor and mentee involved. As a graduate of the Kellogg MBA program, you may be called upon to mentor future program members. You may also be expected to serve your company as a leader and mentor of your fellow employees. This question is asked to learn more about your ability to help others grow in this particular style of professional development-focused relationship.
Your interview time is limited, so keep your answers to open-ended questions like these brief. However, this question is also an opportunity to tell a story that will make a memorable impression on your interviewer. a successful answer should include the goals of the mentorship, the approach you took, and the value you generated during your time working with your mentee. Also, describe what you learned, as every mentorship is a growth opportunity for all parties involved.
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