MHA 7000 Co-Curricular Course
Get the Most Out of Your Mentorship
This is an MHA 7000 co-curricular course—it counts on your transcript and will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. But it's not just a box to check. Here's how to use these eight conversations to actually shape your career.
What This Course Is
You'll meet with your assigned mentor roughly once per month throughout the academic year (Fall, Spring 1, and Spring 2). These are your sessions—time to ask the questions you can't ask in class, to think through career moves before you make them, to learn from someone who's actually done the job you're working toward. Show up prepared, stay engaged, and you'll get a Pass. More importantly, you'll get clarity.
Before Your First Meeting
Mentors will reach out after orientation to schedule your first session. Here's what to prepare:
Know your current situation
Where are you in your career? What does your background look like? Your mentor will ask, and "I'm not sure yet" is fine, but think about it first.
Identify 2–3 things you want to explore
Not your whole life plan—just what's on your mind right now. Examples: Should I specialize or stay broad? How do I get into operations? What does the first year out of grad school really look like?
Have a question ready for your first 10 minutes
An easy opener: "Can you walk me through how you ended up in healthcare leadership?" People love telling their origin story, and you'll learn a lot from it.
Pick a time and place that works
Most meetings are virtual, which is fine. But make sure you can actually focus—not on your phone, not multitasking.
Term by Term
Fall Term: Groundwork
Goal: Get to know your mentor and figure out what you want to explore this year.
This is not the time to have all the answers. Use your Fall meetings to:
- Share your background and what brought you to the MHA
- Ask about their career path—what worked, what didn't, what surprised them
- Explore 1–2 areas you're curious about (career direction, skills, how to navigate the program)
- Get their take on what success looks like in healthcare leadership
By the end of Fall, you should know your mentor and have a clearer sense of what you want to dig into in spring.
Spring 1: Go Deeper
Goal: Move from exploration to strategy.
You've figured out what matters to you. Use these meetings to get more specific:
- Bring real scenarios: "I'm thinking about X role after graduation—what should I be doing now?"
- Ask for feedback on decisions you're facing (course selection, internships, group projects)
- Discuss how to navigate program culture and build relationships with faculty
- Talk through your personal development gaps and how to address them
Bring something concrete to each meeting. Be specific, not vague.
Spring 2: Look Ahead
Goal: Lock in your direction and prepare for what comes next.
You're in the final stretch. Use these meetings to:
- Discuss your summer and post-graduation plans (internships, rotations, job hunting)
- Get specific advice on cover letters, interviews, and networking
- Ask about the transition from school to work—what's actually different?
- Discuss how to stay connected to mentors and peers after graduation
By the end of Spring 2, you'll have concrete next steps and real confidence.
Real Scenarios You'll Face
"I feel like I don't belong here."
Everyone feels this at some point. Your mentor has too. Ask them: "When did you feel most out of place in your career, and how did you work through it?" Then listen. You'll realize it's normal.
"Should I specialize or stay generalist?"
Don't ask yes/no. Instead: "What did you know about yourself before you specialized that you wish you'd known? And what would you do differently if you were starting today?"
"How do I handle [difficult person/situation]?"
This is exactly what mentors are for. Bring the messy parts. Your mentor has navigated politics, difficult people, and complex decisions. That's real experience you can use.
"Everyone else seems to have it figured out."
They don't. Bring this one up, and your mentor will likely laugh and tell you about a time they felt the same way. It's the most honest conversation you'll have.
How to Actually Make This Work
Show up on time
Seriously. Your mentor is volunteering their time. Be respectful of that boundary.
Come prepared, stay flexible
Know what you want to get out of the hour. If the conversation goes somewhere better, let it.
Ask follow-up questions
If your mentor says something interesting, dig deeper. "What do you mean?" will make the conversation richer.
Take notes
Write down key points so you remember. Email follow-up questions later if you think of them.
Actually use the advice
If they suggest you reach out to someone or take a certain approach, do it. Tell them about it next time.
Enjoy it
You're paired with someone excited to support you. Take this opportunity to build a real connection.
Grading (Pass/Fail)
You'll earn a Pass by attending all eight sessions and engaging meaningfully. That means showing up, asking questions, and treating it like the professional development opportunity it is. It's not hard to pass—but it's also not automatic. Show up prepared and present, and you're good.
Questions?