Is it okay to text my previous mentor about my new return position?

17 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 6,2026 at 8:09PM UTC

   Edit: I am mostly curious about the new mgr style or the team actual impact

2. SPQJanuary 6,2026 at 9:53PM UTC

   I would reach out to thank her for everything she has done for you.

   You can ask if its all right to keep in touch, as in, if she would have time for a coffee chat a couple times during this internship. If not, you can ask "Is there anyone else you would recommend me connect with that she'd be willing to make the introduction to?"

   I would actually recommend you set up a meet & greet with your supervisor and ask who might be available to be your mentor for day to day things and team dynamics.

   If you want to be a superstar, you should take initiative. During the meet & greet, ask if you could set up short meetings to talk about your progress, impact, opportunities and areas to course correct.

3. AnonymousJanuary 6,2026 at 11:10PM UTC

   Thanks spq, there will be couple weeks before my official join, would the suggestion be connect ahead or after I join?

4. SPQJanuary 8,2026 at 3:32PM UTC

   The question to connect you with others is phrased in a way that she can make that call.

   If you have her contact through an external network, you can let her know the date and team you're restarting. Or, within a couple of days of your new start date, you can message her through the company communication tools.

5. AnonymousJanuary 7,2026 at 1:28PM UTC

   Is she a mentor to you through a formal program in your company or just someone who has helped you in your career? What would be the purpose of you texting her? Just to let her know that you have moved to a different position, or to ask for additional support?

   I am not really understanding why hearing about _your_ update would be stressful for _her_. At any time I do not see an issue with a message that says, "I found out that I will be working on Team B. Thank you for all your help and support and I hope we can stay in touch even if we will not be working together as closely."

6. AnonymousJanuary 7,2026 at 10:21PM UTC

   The reason I think it might be stressing out her is because I am intending to ask the things beyond personal updates in the company, like reorg reason/new focus/updates, and if she knows anything about my new manager.

   I am not sure if this is appropriate/professional.

7. SheilaJanuary 7,2026 at 2:02PM UTC

   If you both are at the same company maybe just send her an email and ask her if she has time to connect over coffee or something so you can update her face to face.

   Plus this would be a great opportunity for you both to reconnect and catch up.

8. AnonymousJanuary 7,2026 at 10:26PM UTC

   Thanks Sheila, I have a follow-up question here. I’m not sure what the best frequency to connect with seniors/mentor/onboarding buddy.

   I had a mentor assigned by my school before, but I find it difficult to discuss after three or four times. Then, the recurring calls become a burden, and I can tell they are not very focused on this conversation.

   I am happy to keep the conversation light and engaging, but I also want some wisdom from the mentors. What should I do?

9. AnonymousJanuary 7,2026 at 3:03PM UTC

   Sure.

10. BarbaraJanuary 7,2026 at 4:06PM UTC

    If I’d been your mentor I’d sure appreciate you reaching out to me! These relationships are important and worth nurturing.

11. Dawn CrossJanuary 8,2026 at 2:05PM UTC

    Reach out. Make the email very non- threatening- along the lines of of “Hi Mentor, I just wanted to let you know I’m back at “Company X” for another intern position. I wanted to thank you again for how you helped me previously and know that it is because of your insight, I was excited to be able to return to the company. I would love to catch up over coffee one day if you have time. Thank you again. NAME.”

    It never hurts to foster relationships in business.

12. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJanuary 8,2026 at 7:27PM UTC

    First, I would suggest reaching out to let her know that you are coming. There are some great examples of how to do this below.

    If it were me, I would send an email about a week before you join the company. This way, seeing you isn't a surprise, and if she feels the need, she can make arrangements to meet.

    Doing some recon about the new manager and team is not a bad thing, but becareful about your source. Is your former Mentor the best choice? Would doing a deep dive into the internet be better?

13. Angelina PetersJanuary 8,2026 at 10:16PM UTC

    It’s appropriate to reach out if the message is brief and informational, but I would avoid using a former mentor as a source of insight about a new manager or team during a reorganization.

    In periods of reorg, people often do not have full context, and asking for opinions can unintentionally put them in an uncomfortable position. A simple note sharing that you’re returning and were reassigned is reasonable. Anything beyond that is better handled after you’ve started and had direct exposure.

    If you reached out previously and didn’t hear back, I would also avoid follow-ups or assuming availability. Silence is often about bandwidth, not discomfort. One low-pressure message with no ask attached is usually the safest approach.

14. AnonymousJanuary 9,2026 at 5:04PM UTC

    As to the previous delay maybe she just is not that quick to respond? I assume she has other things on her plate...

    If she truly is your Mentor definitely reach out, after all this is what a Mentor means:

    "An experienced and trusted adviser"

15. AnonymousJanuary 10,2026 at 1:34PM UTC

    If you have an established a positive relationship, why not. A mentor will

    always be there for you to listen and guide- keep an open mind!

16. Kimberly McKenzie-KlemmJanuary 10,2026 at 1:57PM UTC

    It sounds like you are struggling with the role of mentorship...do you still have her as your mentor? If the relationship has moved on, then do not return to it- especially in the same way.

17. AnonymousJanuary 12,2026 at 4:00PM UTC

    A mentor should not be a mentor if you reaching out to them would stress them out. A mentor does not have to be at the same company as you or event the same department. For instance my mentor is a former boss who retired and is now a dear friend, mentor and confidant. A true mentor should be happy for you that you are returning no matter what team or department. If you and this person are no longer in contact, I would not consider them a current mentor and I would look for another mentor who is welcome to being your mentor.