# Mentor Outreach Scripts

Copy, personalize the brackets, and send. Most professionals say yes to a polite, specific, short request from a student.

## 1. Cold message on LinkedIn / email

> Hi [Name],
>
> I'm a high school student exploring whether to pursue [career]. I came across your work at [company/role] and would love to ask a few questions about what the job is actually like day to day.
>
> Would you be open to a 15–20 minute call sometime in the next couple of weeks? I'll work around your schedule and keep it short.
>
> Thank you so much,
> [Your name]

## 2. Asking to job-shadow

> Hi [Name],
>
> I'm a high school student seriously considering [career], and I'm trying to understand the real day-to-day before I commit to a path. Would it be possible to shadow you for a few hours — in person or over video — to see what the work actually looks like?
>
> I'm flexible on timing and happy to follow any rules your workplace has. Even a short visit would mean a lot.
>
> Thanks for considering it,
> [Your name]

## 3. Through your school counselor

> Hi [Counselor name],
>
> I'm working through a career-exploration course and trying to talk to someone who actually works as a [career]. Do you know any alumni, parents, or local professionals in that field who might be open to a short conversation with a student? I'd really appreciate an introduction.
>
> Thanks,
> [Your name]

## 4. Thank-you note (send within 24 hours)

> Hi [Name],
>
> Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me about [career]. [One specific thing you learned] really stuck with me, and it's changed how I'm thinking about my next steps.
>
> I appreciate your generosity, and I hope we can stay in touch.
>
> Best,
> [Your name]

## Questions worth asking

- What does a typical day actually look like?
- What surprised you most when you started?
- What do you wish you'd known in high school?
- What's the hardest part nobody talks about?
- If you were 16 again, would you choose this path? What would you do differently?
- Is there a cheaper or faster route in than the one you took?
- Who else should I talk to? (Always ask this — it multiplies your network.)

## Etiquette

- Keep first messages under 100 words.
- Offer to work around *their* schedule.
- Be on time; have your questions ready; respect the time limit you asked for.
- Always send a thank-you. Always ask who else to talk to.