Here are some of the things you’ll want to ask your mentor. Your own list will grow as you prepare for your visit.

Skills

• What skills do I need in order to succeed in this profession. Which do i need to learn or strengthen? Can I master them enough to truly succeed?
• You’ve talked to me and watched me work; do you think I’ll be able to p;erform this work well enough to succeed? (hard as it is, ask your mentor to be honest; there’s no point pumping time, energy and heart into something for which you’re not well suited).

Time

• How will I spend a typical day? How many hours will I have to work? Will that change with time? Will this job afford me the lifestyle that I want?
• How do you balance your work and nonwork life?

Money

• How much money does it cost to become qualified for my dream job or to set up my own business if that’s part of the dream? How much can I expect to earn initially and down the road?
• Do you have advice about getting a loan or working with bankers?
• What are the biggest expenses? The most unpredictable expenses? The hardest to control expenses?
• Which expenses can I defray and which are essential at start up?
• What can I expect to earn at first? Down the road?
• How long did it take you to break even? Earn a profit?
• What did you earn at first? What do you earn now?
• What were your biggest money mistakes?
• What has helped you maximize revenue and reduce expenses?
• Would you be willing to let me see your business plan? Your annual budget?

Technical Issues

• What do I need to know about equipment, purchasing, location, suppliers, processes, etc?
• What ongoing training do you recommend?
• Are there any mistakes you have made that I can learn from?

Marketing

• How do you attract customers? What works well? Less well?
• How do you determine prices?
• What were your biggest marketing mistakes?
• What was your biggest marketing success?

General

• What were your biggest surprises?
• What was your hardest time?
• What is hardest for you on an ongoing basis?
• What would you do differently if you were starting over?
• What is the biggest obstacle you think I’ll face?
• How would pursuing this job affect my spouse or partner? Our kids? Our extended family?
• What should I absolutely do?
• What should I absolutely not do?
• What else should I ask you?

Career Path

• How did you get into the profession?
• How can i break into the profession? What can I expect my path and timeline to be?

Next Steps

• What are the next steps I need to make to move forward?
• Do you have contacts who can help me?
• Are there other people you recommend I speak to?
• Are there organizations in this profession that I should join (or stay away from)

Your Travel Guide

Read on for a detailed breakdown of The Hero’s Journey in Paris – Testdrive Your Dreamjob