What is a mentor? A mentor is someone who helps you either in school or on the job. Mentors are generally older, wiser and have more experience than you. Since a mentor relationship is voluntary on both sides, let's look at what each person experiences in the best of situations and how it relates to the world of work.

First, you as an employee or intern have to be willing to be mentored. That means you have to be in a state of mind that implies a willingness to learn and acknowledging what you don't know. Sometimes when people are insecure, they can have a know-it-all attitude. This frame of mind does not inspire someone to invest time on your behalf. The best outlook and attitude you can have is one of humility and gratefulness for anyone who gives you his time. If a prospective mentor senses you are hardworking, humble, aware of your strengths and weaknesses and positive in general, he will be much more likely to spend time with you and want to work on your behalf.