You’re starting a new EdTech project. How can you get the most out of having a mentor?

2 Set clear expectations

Once you’ve found a mentor who agrees to work with you, you need to establish some ground rules and expectations. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and conflicts later on. You should discuss how often you’ll communicate, what modes of communication you’ll use, what kind of feedback you want, and how you’ll measure your progress. You should also agree on some specific goals and milestones for your project, and how your mentor will support you in achieving them. Make sure you document these agreements and review them regularly.

4 Apply what you learn

One of the best ways to show your mentor that you value their input is to apply what you learn from them to your project. Don’t just listen to their suggestions and ignore them. Instead, try to implement them and see how they improve your work. If you encounter any challenges or difficulties, let your mentor know and ask for their help. If you achieve any successes or milestones, share them with your mentor and celebrate them together. By applying what you learn, you’ll demonstrate that you’re serious about your project and that you’re making progress.

5 Seek feedback and reflect

Another way to make the most of your mentorship is to seek feedback and reflect on it. Feedback is essential for learning and improvement, especially in EdTech, where you need to consider the needs and preferences of your users and stakeholders. Ask your mentor for honest and constructive feedback on your work, and be open to hearing their opinions and perspectives. Don’t take feedback personally or defensively, but rather as an opportunity to grow and improve. Reflect on the feedback and identify what you can do better, what you can keep doing, and what you can stop doing.

6 Give back and network

Finally, don’t forget to give back and network with your mentor and their connections. Your mentor is not only a source of knowledge and support, but also a potential collaborator and ally. You can give back to your mentor by acknowledging their contributions, sharing your insights and resources, and offering your help if they need it. You can also network with your mentor’s contacts and expand your EdTech circle. You might find new opportunities, partners, or customers for your project, or even new mentors for your future endeavors. By giving back and networking, you’ll strengthen your relationship with your mentor and your EdTech community.