How a Mentor Can Assist You in Your Career
A mentor is an experienced colleague who may provide important advice as you begin and progress in your career. He or she may be employed by the same or a different company. It’s always preferable to select a mentor who is also a colleague since he or she will have knowledge about your company that no one else would.
A mentor can assist you to avoid the errors that come with inexperience when you’re just starting out. He or she can make sure you don’t lose out on any chances for advancement in your profession that newcomers may not be aware of. A mentor may help you benefit from his or her knowledge and experience.
What Will Your Mentor Be Able to Do for You?
- When you’re faced with a new scenario at work and don’t know how to handle it—for example, a workplace bully or a supervisor who doesn’t appear to like you—a mentor may help you conquer it. There’s a high possibility he or she has either been in or knows someone who has been in a comparable position.
- Your mentor has access to opportunities you don’t yet have since he or she is on a higher ring in the professional ladder. You may be able to take advantage of some of these possibilities because of his or her position. He or she may, for example, be able to get coveted invites to business events and make introductions to key figures in your sector.
- Your mentor may be able to alert you to employment openings inside your company or elsewhere.
- When it comes to investing in your ongoing education and training, your mentor can guide you on the correct path. He or she will know what extra skills and certifications are important if you both work in the same industry.
- Whether you’re debating whether or not to accept a job offer, he or she may review it to determine if it’s a good bargain.
- When it’s time to ask for a raise from your employer, your mentor may advise you on how to get a better deal.
Where to Look for a Mentor
You’ll probably want to locate a mentor as soon as possible after learning about the many advantages. Some businesses have official mentorship programs in place. They either find mentors for new workers or react to requests for them. To learn more, contact your company’s HR department.
If your company does not have a formal mentoring program, you will have to locate someone on your own. The greatest place to start is through your professional network. Start sending out feelers to see if anybody is interested in assisting you. Remember that this individual does not have to work for the same company as you, but they should preferably be in the same industry. Your mentor should have many more years of experience in order for this connection to be as beneficial as feasible.
A professional organisation is another excellent place to look for a mentor. Many people can connect new members with more experienced ones. This would be an excellent incentive to join if you don’t already have one.
Mentors may also be found via college alumni organisations. They have the ability to connect new grads with older alumni.
Advice on How to Have a Successful Relationship
- Choose a mentor who shares your objectives. He or she must be a long way along the same or a comparable professional path.
- It is beneficial if your mentor has had the same training as you. Someone who works in the same area as you is in a better position to provide you with advice.
- Inquire with your mentor about his or her ability to devote to the connection. You’ll have to meet on a regular basis, and he or she must be able to react to your requests for guidance quickly. If this isn’t feasible, look for someone else to collaborate with.
- Allow for your mentor’s hectic schedule. If he or she asks to meet with you before or after work, for example, don’t say you’re too busy or weary.
- Don’t wait for someone to give you a mentorship position. If you believe someone might make an excellent adviser, ask for their assistance.
