40 ways to say ‘thank you’ and show your appreciation for your mentor

If we could measure our lives, time would be the unit. It is the most valuable asset to humans. When a mentor invests time and effort into your success, gratitude is a small but meaningful way to appreciate them. 

This article will give mentees many examples of how to express gratitude to their mentors for their support and guidance in their lives and careers.

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How much of an impact has your mentor had on you?

We can liken mentorship to standing on the shoulders of giants. We could argue that it is one of the best things that could happen to a person, career-wise. Great mentors significantly shape the professional life of their mentees by pointing them in the right direction. They help you avoid mistakes and make you a better person. 

Mentees can attest to getting promoted faster and acquiring life skills with the support of their mentors. There are so many things to gain from having a role model steering you on the right path. Through the guidance of a mentor, you attract opportunities that previously seemed out of your reach. 

How can you validate your mentor’s time and efforts? How do you show how valuable and timely their advice has been? Think back and ponder on the kind of life-changing impact your mentor had on you. Be it making the right decisions for your career or giving personal insights into some other aspect of your life. How they helped you avoid some pitfalls that could have impeded your progress. You would agree their experience, wisdom, and knowledge came in handy. 

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What's the best way to express gratitude to your mentor?

In the following sections, we’re going to outline examples and quotes of ways to say thank you to your mentor. 

But first, we’ll provide three guiding principles for saying thank you.

Show genuine gratitude

Anyone can write a thank-you message. Your mentor probably gets tons of them from time to time. Make sure yours reflects genuine gratitude. If you treat it like a chore instead of a sincere show of appreciation, it will reflect in your message. Be sure to let your feelings shine through.

Mention the context

Take a moment to reflect on the ways your mentor has added value to your life. This will help you be specific in your message. Everyone appreciates a personalized message. Mention some of their good qualities and how it has been of help to you. 

Give examples of contributions you appreciate

You can throw in a specific example or event that you found impressive and benefited immensely from. This will show that you’re thoughtful and apply their recommendation. It’s also useful when you’re running a virtual mentorship and don’t get to meet physically as much.

Offering to help them with a project or some other engagements they have are also tangible ways to show your appreciation.

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'Thank you' phrases to include in your thank-you letter to your mentor

Although words sometimes can’t convey how grateful we’re for our mentor's influence on our success. We should still go the extra mile to show our appreciation. 

Doing so shows a deep commitment and meaning to our actions towards our mentors. Below are some thank-you messages or quotes you can use in your appreciation letter to a good mentor. 

Thank you for changing the trajectory of my career for the better. I can never truly express how grateful I am.

Thank you for your commitment to my success, I couldn’t have done it without your support.

Thank you for your help in making my dreams a reality. Your guidance and shared experiences have been invaluable. 

Thank you for being a great leader, I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. You’re up there with the bests, you’re exceptionally talented and a born mentor.

Thank you for always inspiring me to put my best foot forward, even when I don’t feel like I belong. Your constant reassurance has helped me navigate tough times.

Thank you for your time, I don’t take it for granted. I appreciate your patience, insight and listening ears.

Thank you for your constant advice and recommendation. What did I do to deserve such a great mentor?! I am a better person because of those insightful sessions.

Thank you for going above and beyond for me. Your dedication amazes me and inspires me to put in the work. I hope to make you proud. 

Thank you for seeing my potential and helping me harness it. Your recommendations give me the zeal and confidence to excel. 

Thank you for being the perfect mentor for me! Even when we don’t agree on some things, you always support me in learning life lessons my way. I have found a role model for life.

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Inspiring 'thank you'' messages to send to your mentor

The ultimate reward you can give your mentor is to apply their teaching to your life and career. They get a feeling of fulfilment from seeing you thrive well. 

You can make them feel even better by writing inspiring thank-you messages. Here are some examples of lovely appreciation for their inspiring mentorships. 

You showed up in my life when I needed guidance the most. Thank you for showing me what true work ethic and work-life balance are. You have been the best role model anyone could ask for.

I can’t think of a better way to describe your gentle but firm support through my career changes. All the counselling outside of our sessions has made me a better person. I am so fortunate to have you.

Even when I didn’t make the best decisions, you stood by me and guided me back to the right path. Now that all our hard work is paying off, I hope you’re as proud as I am because it is in large part thanks to you.

I am a force to reckon with in our work because of your dedication. All the opportunities and skills you sent my way made me who I am. Thank you to my friend and mentor. I’m glad to have you in my corner.

If we were to make consistency into a medal, you deserve it. You have been a constant through all my trials. A rock you have been, thank you for sticking by when you didn’t have to.

Thank you for showing me the ropes of the business, You have not only given me the fish to eat, but you also taught me how to fish.

Without your help, I wouldn’t be exposed to so many opportunities. You always introduce me to the right people whenever I need them. Your experience has favoured me beyond my wildest imagination. Thank you for being a loving and dedicated mentor in every way.

I have an entirely new perspective on things, all thanks for your guidance. I am more open to trying new things and sharing my ideas because you inspire me. You’re an amazing human and mentor.

Thank you for upholding such high standards and being an excellent mentor. Your direction and insightful comments have made me a better professional. I don’t think I can ever thank you enough.

Accept my most sincere appreciation to you, for being a mentor and a friend. Thank you for listening to my rants and being the voice of reason when I make impulsive decisions. 

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Funny ways to show appreciation to your mentor

You don’t have to be serious all the time. Having a good mentor is like having a friend at work or a career coach. Infuse a little humor into how you show your appreciation to your mentor. 

Below are some examples of how to show gratitude in a funny way. 

I don’t understand why people say, “I don't know how to thank you,” as if they’re not familiar with money.

Thanks to you, I can’t stop smiling like a cheshire cat.

I want to thank you for your support and show off my impeccable manners.

If I had a dollar for every time I expressed my gratitude, I’d be rolling in money now.

Thank you for being my unpaid therapist.

I appreciate that we’re still friends despite my habit of spilling every vulgar and embarrassing detail about my life.

Thanks for your continued support. Just so you know, I always do a little dance after our sessions.

I appreciate you for everything and nothing.

I am tempted to say, “my mentor is amazing,” every time I talk to people.

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Short and sweet 'thank you' quotes for your mentor

If you think brevity does it, or you know your mentor will value shorter words of appreciation, find your inspiration from the short and sweet “thank you” below. 

You can always adapt to fit your intentions as well.

Choosing you as my mentor is the best decision I have ever made.

When I count my blessings, you come to mind first.

Thank you for your words of encouragement and bringing out the best in me.

Thank you for taking me under your wing.

I am a better person because you’re my mentor, thank you.

Thank you for being a mentor of great impact.

I am a good leader and team member because of you. Thank you.

Thank you for challenging me to reach my full potential.

Thank you for being a wonderful influence and a great mentor.

Thank you for being my guide and support in my lowest periods.

Need specific examples, you can model long appreciation messages after, and check out how to write a meaningful thank you note. 

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Learn how to build a meaningful mentoring relationship

Now that you have plenty of inspiration to write the right thank-you message, go ahead and write. 

Besides sending gratitude notes, You can continue learning about how to build a successful mentor relationship by reading our blog post on the topic.