SNMMI Mentor Match Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Mentors

What is SNMMI Mentor Match?

SNMMI Mentor Match is an informal program in which mentors and mentees develop beneficial one-on-one relationships that focus on the exchange of information and ideas, career guidance and networking opportunities. 

Why should I become a Mentor?

This program will provide residents and early career professionals with an opportunity to connect to leaders who can provide them with the critical feedback and guidance that they need to navigate the changes and developments in the field.

In addition to sharing your wisdom, serving as a mentor could provide reciprocal benefits as it will expand your professional network by helping develop a new relationship as well as provide a learning experience for you as well.

How does the Mentor Match program work? 

Once you sign up to serve as a mentor, and the request is approved, your information will be added to a pool of available mentors. Mentee applicants will be asked to search for and select a mentor from the list of available members. Mentees can search by location, specialty, years in the field, etc.   

What are the eligibility requirements of becoming a mentor?

You must be an active member of the SNMMI.

How will I know if a Mentee has selected me as their Mentor?

You will receive a communication from the mentee, via the mentor platform, requesting you to be their mentor. You will be prompted to accept or reject the request. Only if you accept the request will your contact information be shared with the mentee.

How often will I need to communicate with my Mentee?

You negotiate and set expectations for time commitment up front so you both get the most value from your interactions.

How will I communicate with my Mentee? Will we need to meet face-to-face?

Communication may be in person, via phone, e-mail, web meeting, or other form of communication. Communications are at the expense of the participants.

How much time will I need to invest as a Mentor?  

We recommend that you and your mentees agree on a schedule that works best for both of you. The most important thing is to discuss your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship. Keep in mind that mentoring doesn’t necessarily require large amounts of your time. Even brief phone calls or e-mail exchanges with you can make a big difference to your mentees. The SNMMI Annual Meeting and the Mid-Winter Meeting also offers a convenient venue for getting together with your mentees over coffee or lunch.

How many Mentees will I have? 

SNMMI has placed a maximum of 5 mentees per mentor to ensure a beneficial experience for both the mentor and mentee.

Am I required to accept every Mentee request?

No! We recommend that you be judicious in selecting only mentees who are most suited to learn from your expertise and experience. You are encouraged to review the potential mentee’s profile and have an initial conversation to explore whether the relationship would be mutually fulfilling.

How do I select my Mentee(s)?

Once you receive a request to serve as a mentor, you will be prompted to log-in to the SNMM Mentor Match Platform, where you will be able to review the mentee’s profile to ensure it will be a good fit.  You will then approve the mentee.

How long will I serve as a Mentor to each individual? 

You may serve as a mentor for as little or as long as you find necessary to accomplish the agreed upon goals set between you and your mentee. Expectations should be set during the initial conversation.

I've signed up but I can no longer commit to being a Mentor. What should I do?

If you find that you can no longer commit to being a mentor, please update your profile and indicate “0” in the field that asks the number of mentees you are willing to accept. Furthermore, please contact your current mentees (if any) to notify them as well.

What if I want to continue to be a Mentor but want to discontinue my relationship with my current Mentee? 

If an existing mentoring relationship isn't working out or you find it is no longer beneficial, please discuss your decision to end the relationship with your mentee.

What types of questions should I ask my Mentee?

The questions you ask your mentee should be centered on the goals for the relationship and include any relevant topics. Some possible questions to ask are as follows:

• What are your career goals? Do you currently have a plan to achieve your goals?
• What successes do you feel you’ve had recently in your job?
• Are there any challenges you are currently facing?
• What decisions are easiest for you to make and which ones are the most difficult?
• How do you receive feedback about your performance?
• What areas of your career would you like to further develop?
• What do you see as the next step for your career?
• What are your current strengths and weaknesses?
• What are you most passionate about?