Chicago Scholars Foundation

How to Find a Good Mentor | Eater

"This Chicago-based organization trains and supports culinary arts and hospitality students and works to bridge the gap between mentees and mentors. Its approach emphasizes practical, experience-driven mentorship: seek leaders who are willing to teach rather than simply chasing impressive titles; stage or intern in the kitchens you admire—even unpaid—to learn directly; and ask probing questions such as "Why do you do this?" to understand the thought processes behind each dish. It stresses professional boundaries (don’t rush into friendship or idolize mentors), mutual responsibility (mentees must be receptive to technical and life lessons; mentors should share guidance without expecting clones), and flexible timing (mentorships can last months or a lifetime and should evolve as skills grow). The organization also notes that effective mentors often have tenure, patience, and emotional readiness to support mentees, and that the strongest relationships typically develop organically from a shared hunger to learn." - Angela Burke