How to find a mentor

Write a one-sentence pitch

Every template above has a blank for a pitch about you. Here’s how to fill it. Allison is a sophomore in college. She’s worked at a lab for a year but doesn’t feel like she’s achieved much: no papers, nothing flashy. She loves the work, though, and puts in the hours. Her one sentence:

She focused on what she’s done the most of, and readers realize that’s a lot of hours for a sophomore. Say you want to do cancer research. Even if you’ve only taken one chemistry class, phrase it like:

Or do a little math and say something like:

What a mentor actually does

They tell you about their terrible life choices, from career and employer chats to eating ice cream for lunch every day without realizing they’re lactose intolerant. They introduce you to other smart people. They vouch for you. Growth. Emotional support. Free food.

A good mentor lets you learn for yourself. They guide you without telling you what to do. They answer questions and give good advice. They do not do your homework.