Best examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor

Short, friendly examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor

Let’s start with the good stuff: real, short emails you can actually send. These are the best examples for when you want to say thank you, share a quick update, and not write a novel.

Example of a brief “I got the job!” update

This is a quick example of a networking update email to thank a mentor after landing a role they helped you prepare for.

Subject: Quick update and a big thank you

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I wanted to share a quick update and a big thank you. I just accepted an offer for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name], and your advice made a huge difference.

The interview questions were almost exactly what we practiced, and the resume feedback you gave me helped me feel confident walking into each round.

I’m really grateful you took the time to support me during the search. Once I’m settled in, I’d love to send a quick note about how it’s going.

Thank you again for being in my corner,

[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor because it does three things: it shares the outcome, connects it directly to their help, and keeps the tone warm and future-focused.

Example of a short “I used your advice and it worked” note

Sometimes you don’t have a big milestone, but you tried something they suggested and it helped.

Subject: Your advice really helped

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I wanted to say thank you and share a quick update. I tried your suggestion about [specific tactic they recommended], and it went really well.

Because of that change, I was able to [brief result: “get invited to a second interview,” “lead my first client call,” “present to my team"]. It was a small shift, but it made a big difference for me.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with me.

Best,

[Your Name]

If you’re looking for examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor that are low-pressure and easy to send, this format is your friend.

Longer examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor (with more context)

Sometimes you need more than three lines—especially if you haven’t emailed your mentor in a while. These longer examples include a bit of context, a clear thank-you, and a light touch of future connection.

Example of a “new job + life update” email

Subject: Update since we last spoke (and a big thank you)

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I hope you’ve been doing well. It’s been a little while since we last caught up, so I wanted to share a quick update and a heartfelt thank you.

After a few months of searching, I recently accepted a position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. It’s a great fit with what we talked about—especially the focus on [specific aspect: data, product, leadership, etc.].

Your guidance on narrowing my target roles and tailoring my resume was incredibly helpful. I kept coming back to your advice about [specific phrase or idea they shared], and it gave me clarity when I was tempted to apply to everything.

I’m about two weeks into onboarding and already using several of the skills you encouraged me to build, especially [one or two skills].

Thank you again for all the time and thought you invested in me over the past few months. If you’re open to it, I’d love to send another update in a few months once I’ve settled in and can share how it’s going.

Warmly,

[Your Name]

This is a strong example of a networking update email because it:

• Briefly reminds them who you are and when you last spoke.
• Ties your outcome directly to their advice.
• Signals you respect their time by not asking for anything immediately.

Example of a “grad school / certification success” update

In 2024–2025, more people are adding certificates, online programs, and part-time degrees to stay competitive. Here’s an example of a networking update email to thank a mentor when you hit that milestone.

Subject: I got in! Thank you for your support

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I’m excited to share some good news and to thank you for your support. I was accepted into the [Program Name] at [School/Platform], starting this [semester/month].

Your encouragement to keep building my skills, and your honest feedback about programs, really helped me choose something that fits my goals. I especially appreciated your perspective on balancing work and study.

I’m planning to focus on [specific concentration or skill], which connects directly to the path we’ve talked about. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes and what I’m learning.

Thank you again for believing in me and sharing your experience.

Best,

[Your Name]

If you’re looking for examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor that work for both formal degrees and short online programs (like those from Harvard Online or similar platforms), this is a flexible template.

Examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor during tough times

Mentors matter even more when things are not going well—layoffs, rejections, burnout, career pivots. Sending an update in those moments can feel vulnerable, but it often strengthens the relationship.

Example of a layoff / job search update with gratitude

Subject: Quick update and thank you for your support

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I wanted to share a quick update and also thank you for your ongoing support. My role at [Company Name] was recently impacted by a restructuring, so I’m now in an active job search.

While it’s been a challenging few weeks, I’ve been leaning on a lot of the advice you’ve given me about networking and keeping my skills sharp. I’ve already updated my resume, started reaching out to contacts, and lined up a few informational conversations.

I’m grateful for the perspective you’ve helped me build over the past year—it’s making this transition feel more manageable.

No need to respond right away; I just wanted to keep you in the loop and say thank you. I’ll let you know how things develop over the next couple of months.

Best,

[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of a networking update email during a hard moment: honest, grateful, and not pressure-filled.

Example of a “pivot in direction” update

Career paths in 2024–2025 are less linear than ever. People are switching industries, moving into remote roles, or combining freelance and full-time work. Here’s an example of a networking update email to thank a mentor when you’re changing direction.

Subject: Career update and thank you for your guidance

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a quick update on my career direction and thank you for the guidance that helped me get here.

After a lot of reflection (and many notes from our past conversations), I’ve decided to transition from [Old Field/Role] into [New Field/Role]. I’ve started by [specific actions: taking a course, building a portfolio, volunteering, freelancing, etc.], and it already feels like a better fit.

Your honest feedback about my strengths and your encouragement to explore options gave me the confidence to make this shift thoughtfully instead of impulsively.

I really appreciate the time you’ve invested in helping me think through these decisions.

Thank you again for being such a steady voice of perspective,

[Your Name]

These kinds of examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor show that you value their input even when the outcome is still in progress.

Casual examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor for ongoing support

Not every email needs to be about a dramatic career change. Sometimes you just want to say, “I’m still here, still learning from you, still grateful.”

Example of a quick quarterly check-in

Subject: Quick check-in and thank you

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I hope your week is going well. I wanted to send a quick check-in and say thank you again for your guidance earlier this year.

Since we last spoke, I’ve [one or two updates: “taken on a new project,” “started managing an intern,” “joined a cross-functional team"]. I’ve been using your advice about [specific topic: communicating with leadership, setting boundaries, prioritizing, etc.], and it’s helped me navigate these new responsibilities.

No need to reply in detail—I just wanted you to know your advice is still very much in use and appreciated.

Best,

[Your Name]

Example of an update after a big presentation or project

Subject: Your presentation tips paid off

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

I wanted to thank you again for your tips on presenting to senior leaders. I had my big presentation to [audience] last week, and it went really well.

I used your suggestions about structuring the story and anticipating questions, and it helped me stay calm and clear. A few people even commented on how organized the presentation felt.

I’m grateful you took the time to walk me through your approach—it made a real difference.

Thanks again,

[Your Name]

These lighter-touch examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor are perfect when you want to nurture the relationship without asking for a meeting or a favor.

How to write your own networking update email to thank a mentor

You don’t have to copy these word for word. Think of these real examples as training wheels. Underneath almost every strong networking update email to thank a mentor, you’ll find the same simple structure:

1. A clear subject line
Make it obvious you’re sharing an update and that you’re grateful. Phrases like “Quick update and thank you,” “I wanted to say thank you,” or “Your advice helped” all work well.

2. A short reminder of context
If you haven’t spoken in a while, mention when you last connected or what you discussed: “When we spoke in March about product roles…” or “You kindly reviewed my resume last month…”

3. The update itself
One or two sentences about what happened: new job, promotion, program acceptance, layoff, project, or pivot.

4. A specific thank-you
The best examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor are specific. Instead of “Thanks for everything,” try: “Your advice about focusing my search on customer-facing roles really helped me narrow things down.”

Research on gratitude from organizations like Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley shows that specific, sincere thanks strengthen relationships more than vague praise.

5. A light closing
You don’t always need to ask for a meeting. You can simply say you’ll keep them posted, or that you appreciate their support. If you do want another conversation, make it optional and respectful of their time.

2024–2025 trends that shape how you email mentors

A few current trends are worth keeping in mind as you write your own version of these examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor:

Mentors are busier than ever.
With hybrid work, constant video calls, and shrinking teams, many senior professionals are stretched thin. Short, clear emails with a direct subject line are more likely to be read and appreciated.

Asynchronous communication is normal.
Don’t panic if they don’t respond right away—or at all. A thank-you email still matters, even if it’s one-way. You’re not just writing for a reply; you’re investing in the relationship and your own habit of expressing gratitude.

Professional development is ongoing.
More people are stacking micro-credentials, online courses, and side projects. That means more natural moments to send updates: finishing a certificate, speaking at a meetup, contributing to an open-source project, or volunteering.

If you’re unsure how often to send updates, a reasonable rhythm for most mentor relationships is two to four times a year, plus any major milestone. These examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor can be adapted to each of those touchpoints.

FAQ: examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor

How long should a networking update email to thank a mentor be?
Most mentors appreciate short, focused notes—three to eight sentences is usually enough. The real examples above range from very brief to slightly longer, but none of them are essays. If you find yourself writing multiple paragraphs, see if you can trim to the main update and one clear thank-you.

Is it okay to send an update email if I don’t have big news?
Yes. Many of the best examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor are about small wins: applying their advice, completing a project, or even realizing something about your strengths. You don’t need a promotion or a dramatic career change to justify an update.

Can you give an example of a very short thank-you update?
Here’s a minimal version:

Subject: Thank you for your advice

Hi [Mentor’s First Name],

Just a quick note to say thank you again for your guidance on [topic]. I applied your suggestion about [specific action], and it helped me [brief result]. I really appreciate your support.

Best,

[Your Name]

This is one of the simplest examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor you can send when you’re pressed for time.

What if my mentor gave advice I didn’t follow?
You can still send an update and express gratitude for their time and perspective. Focus on what was helpful—maybe their questions made you think more clearly, even if you chose a different path. Being honest (and respectful) builds trust.

Should I always ask for another meeting in my update?
Not always. Many strong examples of networking update email examples to thank a mentor end with a simple thank-you and a note that you’ll keep them posted. If you’d like to talk again, you can say something like, “If you’re open to it, I’d love to reconnect later this year to share how things are going,” and let them decide.

If you use any of these real examples as a starting point, customize at least three things: the specific advice they gave you, the concrete outcome, and one small personal detail (like timing or a project name). That’s what turns a generic template into a genuine thank-you—and that’s the kind of message mentors remember.