Having a mentor can accelerate your career in myriad ways, providing support, contacts, constructive criticism and frank, unbiased advice. There may be no better way to learn from an experienced pro how to address workplace issues, master corporate culture, and successfully jump those inevitable career hurdles.
How You Benefit
A mentor is an excellent third-party resource to turn to when you’re stuck on a project or facing a conflict, but their wisdom and knowledge extend far beyond troubleshooting boundaries.
- You’re privy to their personal tips and insight. Benefit from their guidance, which is based on years of experience. Your mentor will coach you on particular skills, challenge you to move beyond your comfort zone, and focus on your optimal career development.
- There’s no better sounding board. In addition to providing critical feedback on both hard and soft job skills, your mentor is a friendly ear with whom you can share successes and failures.
- Clarify your ideas and goals. Your mentor can help solidify them by talking through them with you. And, you’re more likely to follow through on plans if you’ve shared them with someone who will hold you accountable.
- Develop your critical thinking skills. The best mentors challenge their mentees to think about things in new ways – whether it’s their job, their job search or their long-term career objectives.
- Benefit from their connections. As someone who is personally invested in your success, your mentor will open up their personal and professional networks to you. Any single connection could be a potential resource or job lead.
How to Find a Mentor
A professional recruitment firm can be among your most valuable sources in finding a mentor, as one step in moving your career path forward. Here are some additional tips:
- Write down your expectations. What do you want to learn? How long do you anticipate your mentorship lasting? What will their time commitment look like? Outlining these details from the beginning will help ensure that you and your mentor are on the same page.
- Seek out someone in your same field or industry, or the one you want to break into. Be sure you respect the person, as well as relate to them on a personal level. Then take the initiative to contact them and be prepared to dedicate time to the relationship.
- Consider going online. You may find a mentor among your LinkedIn connections or at a site such as StudentMentor.org. Also, most cities have meetups for various industries and interests. Use all your available networking opportunities, seek out people who have had interesting and successful careers, and then reach out and introduce yourself.
To learn more about mentorships and additional tools to enhance your job search and/or career development, read our related posts or contact the experienced team of recruiters at PrideStaff Modesto today.
