Michelle Perchuk is a job search strategist, career coach and founder of MTV Coaching.
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Navigating your career can be hard when you aren’t sure where you’re going. Finding a mentor can be an easy way to give you the reassurance that you’re on the right path. But where do you start? In this article, I’ll share what it takes to find a mentor and how to maintain the relationship.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor who can provide guidance, support and advice. While you can find mentors in many different places, it is often most helpful to seek out someone who has experience in your field or industry. When choosing a mentor, look for someone who you respect and feel comfortable confiding in.
Why do I need a mentor?
Mentors can help you develop skills, expand your network and progress your career. Having a mentor can also offer you an objective perspective on challenges and opportunities. They can help you to stay motivated and focused on your goals, help you to learn new skills and improve your performance, as well as provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism. If you are considering pursuing a new opportunity, your mentor can be a great sounding board. They can help you to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision. They can also give you practical advice on how to overcome challenges and reach your full potential.
How should I go about finding a mentor?
Before finding a mentor, consider what kind of mentorship you’re looking for. Do you want someone who can provide advice on specific challenges you’re facing or someone who can offer more general guidance? Second, think about what kind of relationship you’re hoping to build. Would you prefer a more formal arrangement or something more informal? Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to potential mentors—the worst they can say is no. By taking the time to find the right mentor for you, you’ll set yourself up for success both now and in the future.
It’s been a few months since reaching out and the mentorship is going well, but how do I continue this long-term?
A mentor-mentee relationship is a two-way street. For the mentee, it is important to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn from the mentor. This might mean asking for advice on specific projects, offering to help with tasks that the mentor is working on or simply taking the initiative to keep the lines of communication open. For the mentor, it is important to be available and responsive when the mentee reaches out and to provide guidance that is clear and helpful. In addition, both parties should be respectful of each other’s time and commitment level and should be willing to adjust their expectations as needed.
A mentor sounds great, but I’ve been out of college for 10 years. Is it too late for me to have a mentor?
Many people mistakenly believe that mentorship is only useful during the early stages of one’s career. However, mentorship can be beneficial at any point in your journey. While it may be easier to find a mentor while you are still in school, it is certainly not too late to find one after you have graduated. You can reach out to your professional network and see if anyone is willing to serve as a mentor. LinkedIn also has a mentors feature that allows you to search for mentors based on their location, industry and interests. If you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s never too late to find a mentor.
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