career growth panel questions

Nail Your Next Career Growth Panel: Questions to Ask (and Why)

A career growth panel is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights, but passively listening isn’t enough. The right questions can unlock actionable advice tailored to your ambitions. Here’s how to make the most of it.

The Expert Perspective: Most people treat panels like interviews of the panelists. The real value comes from turning it into an interview for yourself. Don’t just hear success stories; uncover the practical steps, failures, and nuanced decisions that led to them. Understanding the “how” is far more valuable than the “what.” Traditional networks often showcase polished results, but panels are a chance to deconstruct the journey.

Actionable Steps:

• Focus on Specific Challenges: Instead of “What skills are important?”, ask “What’s a skill you underestimated early in your career, and how did you develop it?”
• Probe for Failure: “Can you share a time a career decision didn’t work out, and what you learned?” Vulnerability yields powerful lessons.
• Ask About Trade-offs: “What did you have to give up to achieve [specific accomplishment]?” This reveals the realities behind success.
• Seek Advice for Your Stage: Frame questions around your current situation. “I’m currently facing [challenge]. What advice would you give someone in my position?”
• Follow Up (If Possible): After the panel, connect with panelists on platforms like Menteo to continue the conversation.

Why Menteo is Different:

Hearing advice on a panel is a great start, but it’s rarely enough. It’s like reading a cookbook without ever cooking. You need personalized guidance and accountability. Menteo offers a social mentorship experience – a continuous relationship, not a single transaction.

Unlike booking-only platforms, Menteo fosters ongoing support through:

• Mentorship Rooms: Dedicated spaces for structured 1:1 guidance, allowing you to delve deeper into panel insights with a mentor.
• Growth Threads: Publicly document your progress applying the advice you’ve received, building a portfolio of growth and attracting opportunities.
• Roadmaps: Access curated learning paths aligned with specific career goals, complementing the broader perspectives from panels.
• Communities: Connect with peers facing similar challenges, sharing learnings and building a supportive network.

This isn’t just about getting answers; it’s about building the skills and network to create your own success.

Ready to move beyond passive listening and actively shape your career? Find a mentor on Menteo today: https://thementeo.com/mentors