If you have additional questions or comments about The Endocrine Society’s Mentor Exchange, please email us at
MentorExchange@Endo-Society.org.
General FAQs
1. What is the Mentor Exchange?
The Mentor Exchange is an exclusive service for Endocrine Society members. The service allows students, fellows in training and other members to connect with mentors for career advancement. The Mentor Exchange is an online database.
2. Can non-members use the Mentor Exchange?
No, the Mentor Exchange is a benefit of membership in The Endocrine Society. If you are not currently a member, visit our website for more information on how to join.
3. I’m an Active Member with several years of experience, but feel I could benefit from a mentor. Can I use the Mentor Exchange?
Absolutely. Even professionals with years of experience can find mentoring helpful, potentially for work/life balance issues, if you’re approaching retirement, want to change careers or disciplines, etc.
4. My profile isn’t updated, even though I just submitted new information.
Profile updates are not real-time because our Society Services department checks all edits made for accuracy. Therefore, it can take a few days before your updates are displayed. If you would like to confirm your changes, please contact Society Services via email or at +1.301.941.0210 (1-888-363-6762 toll-free in the U.S.).
Mentor FAQs
1. How will I hear from a mentee?
You will receive an email from the mentee with the subject line “Mentoring Request from The Endocrine Society”. The email will have a brief profile of the mentee requesting to be in touch with you. You can reply to the email and indicate whether you would like to be contacted via email or telephone for your initial planning of the mentoring relationship.
2. What if I am not interested in becoming someone’s mentor?
You will need to respond to their email, letting them know that you’re already mentoring others or can’t commit to them at this time.
3. Can I opt-out of the program?
Yes, simply go to your mentor profile under "Become a Mentor" and unclick the box next to “I would like to be a mentor in The Mentor Exchange”
4. Approximately how long does a mentoring relationship last?
A mentoring relationship can be as short as one email/phone exchange, answering specific questions to help someone with one issue, to a long-term mentoring relationship spanning several years. The relationship is as long or short as you prefer.
5. How do I end the mentoring relationship?
If you are a mentor who would like to end the mentoring relationship for any reason, please alert your mentee as soon as you are certain that this change is on the horizon for you. Your mentee will appreciate knowing that you can only offer a few more mentoring conversations. With this advance notice, the mentee will be able to use these last sessions strategically and can also begin to seek another mentor if needed.
6. Do you have any tips or advice for mentors?
See the Mentor Tips list below.
Mentor Tips Use the following tips to help you get the most out of your conversations.
- Be attentive and listen carefully.
- Make a personal connection at the start of your conversation.
- Ask open-ended questions, encouraging the mentee to give a reflective response.
- Try not to interrupt, unless you need to manage time or focus the dialogue.
- Tell your story – they’re interested in knowing how and why you feel the way you do.
- Set and honor boundaries early on, explaining when and how to be reached.
- Honor confidentiality, because your conversations can cover personal issues.
Mentee FAQs
1. How do I search for a mentor?
Log in as a member first and follow the instructions. The process is quick and you’ll be able to see a list of potential mentors, then contact them.
2. What if my mentor doesn’t respond to my email?
Give your potential mentor a week or two to get back to your initial email. They have busy workloads, and it can take a while to get through all of their pressing demands. However, if after that time you’ve still not heard from them you could send a follow-up email or do a new mentor search.
3. If my mentor and I don’t “click” can I search for a new mentor?
Yes, you can do a new search. However, you’ll want to alert your current mentor that you’ve decided to exit the mentor relationship.
4. How do I exit the mentor relationship?
Begin with a simple, clear statement about how you see your career and the mentor relationship at this time, and explain how your situation may have changed. Express your gratitude to the mentor for his/her time and contribution to your progress, as well as how talking with them has benefited you. Suggest a focus for the final session, then be sure to write a personal thank you note and mail it to your mentor shortly after your last session.
5. How long is a typical mentoring relationship?
The relationship goals should be discussed with your mentor at the beginning of the exchange. Mentoring relationships can last as long as agreed upon by both parties.
6. Do you have any tips or advice for mentees?
See the Mentee Tips list below.
Mentee Tips As a mentee, the success of the mentoring relationship depends on you. You are the driver of your own development. Use the following tips to help you get the most out of your conversations.
- Be prepared for your mentoring sessions with an agenda or topics to cover.
- Establish a mutually agreeable plan for mentoring sessions, including how much time each of you need if a session has to be postponed.
- Let your mentor know who you are — your hopes, dreams, life situation and professional goals.
- Focus on the mentoring relationship and how it can help you, rather than the outcome (your mentor is not there to help you land a job).
- Take notes because it can be difficult to remember key points and commitments after your meeting.
- Respect your mentor’s boundaries. Be careful not to inundate them with emails or calls outside of your sessions.
- Say thank you after each session.
