April 30, 2019

This year, over 150 students are participating in the one-on-one mentor program. Highlighting the stories of mentor and mentee pairs not only demonstrates the wonderful contribution that mentors make to students' professional development but also encourages more significant relationships in other mentor-mentee pairs. This month’s featured pair is MPP student Sara Rahim and her mentor Sara Wasserteil, MPP '15 and Engagement Manager at Mission Measurement.

Do you have an outstanding mentor or mentee? Email harrismentorprogram@uchicago.edu for the chance to share your experience.

Sara Rahim, Mentee:

What have you learned from your mentor this year?

I think that one of the best highlights of my Harris experience so far is being matched with Sara. From our shared names to our shared interests, I have been able to learn about Sara's own professional journey before, during, and after Harris. Sara has also motivated me to be open and proactive in my career search, and she has been so great about making introductions to contacts in her network. Because Sara has also worked in international development and is now in the world of social impact, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience that I have been able to access and learn from.

What can mentors provide to students above and beyond what they learn in class?

Mentors are a critical tool for students to learn how they can apply what they learn at Harris to their respective fields. Sara has helped me contextualize the importance of program evaluation in the global health and social impact scene. She's also provided recommendations on what courses I should take, which has shaped my last 2 quarters at Harris. I think that mentors are also an opportunity for student to access learning around new areas or fields they that they might not have prior experience in, and are eager to dive into.

What attracted you to the mentorship program?

I was immediately attracted to the mentorship program because I wanted the chance to connect with a working professional who had gone through the rigorous Harris core and had made it out on the other side. It felt like a great opportunity to learn from someone and build a relationship that was more than transactional.

What have you appreciated most about your relationship with your mentor?

What I've appreciated most about Sara has been how approachable and open she has been in the process so far. When we first met, I felt like she was genuinely interested to hear about my story. Sara herself is a total powerhouse, but never made me feel intimidated. I also think it is important to set expectations early on, from preferred communication methods to frequency of meetings. Sara also made it clear that she was excited and willing to be a resource. This encouraged me to take the lead and be proactive in my asks; whether it was for specific introductions, resume feedback, or so forth. We've also respected each other's time commitments and do our best to meet every other month. I'm excited to collaborate with Sara in future projects, as I am hoping to bring her on as a trainer at an international conference I am organizing in Azerbaijan this fall.

Sara Wasserteil, Mentor:

Why did you want to participate in the mentor program?

I'm a big fan of paying it forward. I've learned a lot through many mistakes and a few successes, and want to be able to help others navigate the tricky question of "what do I want to do when I grow up?" (Or more frequently..."what should I do in six months?!")

Have you had mentors in your life? How did they impact you and how has that shaped your professional career?

I've been lucky enough to have several mentors. Early in my career, they taught me important things like how to advocate for myself, how to earn a seat at the table, and that work could get done tomorrow (one I didn’t internalize until my 30s). As I’ve gotten older, my mentors have continued to serve as a source of guidance and support. They’ve introduced me to their networks, taught me how to effectively lead and grow people, and served as a thought partner when I’ve needed advice. I’ve been lucky to find my mentors and can’t overemphasize how important it is to find people with other experiences and perspectives that you can turn to.

What have you liked most about working with your current mentee?

Working with Sara has been an amazing experience. One thing that immediately stood out was that she puts her whole self into whatever she is working on and she shows up authentically. She's also thirsty to learn. I work with a lot of young professionals, and Sara's knowledge of herself and her aspirations- and her level of proactivity in going after what she wants- is uncommon. It's great to mentor someone you hope to work for someday.

What do you believe is the key(s) to a successful mentor/mentee relationship?

Communication is critical. As a mentor, it's helpful when my mentees are clear on what they're looking for (e.g. Is it advice? Connections to certain companies? Feedback on cover letters?) Mentors are often busy, so having specific ask can help maximize a mentor's value. By the same token, it's helpful for mentors to communicate what they are aren't willing to do. For example, one of my first mentors only had 15 minutes each time we met and was only interested in making connections for me. She had no interest in sharing her experiences, so understanding what she was willing to do helped me prepare for our sessions. Lastly, mentees should set the pace. Mentors are often willing to be helpful (that's why we're doing this!), but we're looking to you to make the ask.