We asked several key questions to the co-chairs of the Mentoring Program – Fred Whiting, APR, (Mentor), who came up with the idea and is a mentor himself; and Tracy Krughoff (Protege), who has several mentors and is always looking for more. Below is what they had to say.

How valuable is a mentoring/protege relationship and what do you think it can add to someone’s career?

Mentor: As someone who has never had a formal "mentor," I think such a relationship can be extremely valuable for career development as a PR practitioner. I've frequently had to learn how to do things on my own, because my direct supervisors were too busy to "teach" me, or perhaps because they didn't know a lot more than I did. However, having a mentor can shortcut a lot of work acquiring knowledge and perspective about the PR profession and the world of work.

Protege: A mentor can inspire and motivate you to not only excel in your career, but truly stand out in the profession. The right mentor can instill principles and ethics that will change the way you perceive your work and the way others see you. It is often difficult to see the big picture when it is so easy to get wrapped up in day-to-day activities, but a mentor can help you take a step back and set goals. Perhaps more importantly, a mentor can help you figure out how to reach those goals, based on their experience.

Which questions are the “right” questions to ask of a mentor?

Mentor: I think all questions of a professional nature are fair game and personal questions that relate to career development and your mentor's experience are fine. Don't put your mentor in the position of "telling tales out of school," however. Rather than ask, "What is it like working for [name of individual,] it's better to ask, "What is it like working at [organization name]."

Protege: Find out as much as you can about your mentor. Focusing on them rather than yourself can be much more valuable. What was the turning point in their career? How did they get where they are? What would they do differently if they had to do it over again? What was the most difficult challenge they ever faced? The responses will surprise and inspire you.

When should you call your mentor and when should you call your best friend? (Meaning where do you draw the line?)

Mentor: A friend is more open to personal questions, such as romantic relationships in the workplace or dealing with a difficult boss. "Should I stay where I am or look for another job?" is a question that is more appropriate for a friend. "How can I advance in my career?" is appropriate for a mentor.

Protege: Call your mentor when you need advice, not when you need an outlet. Decide ahead of time what you are asking – do you genuinely want guidance or do you just need a sympathetic ear? If you want guidance, call your mentor; if you want a sympathetic ear, call your best friend.

How do you keep the relationship going?

Mentor: From my perspective, I think that's up to the protege. If there is value in continuing the relationship, by all means keep in touch. On the other hand, if you have learned as much as you think you will from your mentor, you shouldn't feel any obligation to maintain the mentoring relationship.

Protege: Check in occasionally with a short note or simply pick up the phone. Definitely do not wait until you need something. When you are thinking of them, contact them. It’s as simple as that.

What has mentoring done for you?

Mentor: As someone who has taught both undergraduates and adults over the past eight years while working full time as a PR professional, I can say that providing guidance and advice to students is often more fulfilling then my own work at times. In many cases, you are more likely to get appreciation and feedback from a protege than from colleagues. There is also a personal aspect of the mentor-protege relationship that can transcend the collegial experience. When someone asks you how to perform a task, that's one thing--but when that person seeks your advice, that's something else!

Protege: I have several mentors and each of them has contributed immeasurably to my career. The relationships I have are not focused on me, I think it must be a give-and-take in order to be truly fulfilling. Learning about their challenges and successes can be fascinating, and often there are amazing similarities to the situations I face.

Do you have any inspirational mentoring stories?

Mentor: Just recently, I was called by an experienced PR professional who works for a nonprofit organization in the arts. She wanted advice on whether she should pursue a job with a PR agency in order to "round out" her resume. She had noticed that a lot of younger PR practitioners have agency experience and thought that was something missing from her professional experience. After asking her a few questions about her likes and dislikes, it became apparent that to be hired by an agency at her level, she would be expected to bring in new business, which was something that didn't appeal to her. I was able to point out some of the rewards in working as the senior PR practitioner within an organization and to take advantage of the opportunities to network within PRSA. We spent about an hour on the phone, and it was one of the most satisfying conversations I've had in some time.

Protege: My mentor became very ill several months ago and needed to undergo a major operation – he had only five days to prepare for it. He called and asked if I could speak on his behalf at a conference. Although I was out of my league, I agreed without hesitation. About a month later, the day before I was going to speak, he gave me a pep talk despite being extremely weak and tired. He had complete confidence in me and without it I don’t know how I would have pulled through the experience.

Do you have any advice on how someone can identify the right mentor for them specifically?

Mentor: Seek out people who are doing what you would like to do. Are you interested in becoming an entrepreneur? Then look for an independent PR practitioner. Do you prefer the satisfaction of working in a nonprofit environment in a field of interest that inspires you? Seek an informational interview with someone who is doing that. Open yourself up to possibilities, and you will be rewarded.

Protege: Find someone you can talk to and look up to – everything else will fall into place. Good mentors can give you kernels of truth that you can carry with you throughout your career. How do you find them? Get out there, talk to people, don’t be afraid to connect with people. What you find will be truly rewarding for you, and for them.

What is the best way to thank or give back to a mentor?

Mentor: Just do well and be successful. And, of course, keep in touch. A mentor is like your favorite teacher in high school or college--they want to know how you made use of what they taught you, and how you have given something back to your profession. There is no greater compliment than to hear that you made a difference in someone's life!

Protege: A simple thank you works wonders; lots of them work miracles. A nice hand-written note at the right time will do the trick. A lot of people don’t believe in sending e-mails of this nature, but I once received an e-mail from my mentor in which he told me, "You have no idea how much our relationship means to me." I still have the e-mail. Thank them in a way that you are comfortable with, but definitely thank them. Always look for a way to give back – opportunities are everywhere if you pay attention.