Frequently Asked Questions

How are mentors chosen?

Mentors for the Media Mentors Program have applied to volunteer their time to coach students and early career journalists. While Journalism Internships have done background information on each mentor, the directors of the Media Mentors Program do not know each mentor personally.

How do I sign up for a session?

Below each description of the mentors is an “office hours” button which takes you to each mentors Calendly. There, students and early-career journalists can sign-up for a session based on the mentor’s availability.

How do the one-on-one meetings work?

This varies. Typically, the mentors will designate their preferred way to talk (phone, Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc) and will reach out to the student or early-career journalist to confirm the meeting. You should come prepared with specific questions that you want to ask the mentor and have done preliminary research on your mentor.

The person I want to talk to doesn’t have any availability. Help!

Breathe in. Then breathe out. Check back later for a session. These are all working professionals with busy schedules. Remember, they are volunteering their time. In addition, consider speaking to someone else with a similar background. They could offer a similar perspective.

Ah! I can’t make my session. What do I do?

Please let your mentor know as soon as possible if you can’t make your session. All of the mentors are volunteers and are blocking off their valuable time for coaching and someone else would appreciate the spot. If you miss a session, please follow up with your mentor. Manners are good.

Can I sign up for multiple sessions?

You can. But remember, there are only so many mentors. Please be mindful of this and share the wealth.

Can I stay in touch with my mentor?

This all depends on the guidelines set by you and the mentor. While maintaining connections in the media industry is a plus, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. You are not obligated to maintain contact.

I had a terrible session. What should I do?

Mentors have been briefed on best practices for sessions and reminded about professional conduct when interacting with mentors. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Please send us feedback (public or anonymous) here.

I had a great session! What should I do?

Share the program with your friends! Tweet about it! Support us! Be sure to also send us feedback.

Can I sign up to be a mentor?

I have questions.

Hopefully, we have answers. Contact us.

Who runs this mentoring program?

Adriana Lacy, who works at the Los Angeles Times and Caitlin Ostroff, who works at the Wall Street Journal. Both are early career journalists, were heavily involved in student media in college and are passionate about making this industry more accessible.

This idea is great. How’d you think of it?

We didn’t. This program was inspired by Katie Hawkins-Gaar, a journalism consultant and freelance writer who runs Poynter's Leadership Academy for Women in Digital Media. She founded and runs https://www.digitalwomenleaders.com/, which offers one-on-one coaching sessions for women. You should check it out and support it.