The Payoffs of Having a Mentor

When you are looking to up your game and meet some new career goals, you often take courses, plan for advanced degrees, upgrade your online presence, and start searching Indeed and other job posting sites for the position you desire. However, people often neglect engaging a mentor. The payoffs of having a mentor can be a key component to your goals. According to research, employees with mentors are promoted five times more often than those without one. Mentors are experienced people who can offer advice, answer your questions, and guide you on how to handle interviews and other situations. Here are some ways to find and choose a mentor that is right for you for the situation you are in right now.

The Beginning of your Career

When you are just starting out in a new job, it is difficult to know how to pursue your dreams and goals. The best person to choose as a mentor is someone in your department or in a professional organization related to your field. They can offer insight into what a particular career looks like now and years from now. At this point in time, you are in a learning mode and your goal is to develop a set of skills that will help you advance over time. One way to find a mentor in your department is to offer to help with a project or event which allows you to meet different people in your organization.

Looking For a New Career

You may be in a career that is not really fulfilling your needs. A mentor can help you by answering questions about what is out there, help you plot your next steps, and give you the confidence you need to take the leap. A great way to connect with this type of mentor is by searching LinkedIn or other professional organizations and associations to find people who are leading the causes you are passionate about or are in the field you are interested in. Another path is to attend industry events in the profession you are considering. These days they may be virtual. Talk to people and ask them about the process they went through. This will provide ideas and guidance on how to find your path. Obtain their business cards or email addresses and contact the people that you feel have the right personality and position to help you. Ask if they would be willing to talk about their jobs and how they got started. If they say yes, it can be the beginning of a mentor/mentee relationship.

After a Major Life Change

A life change such as parenthood or illness can cause you to be out of work for a while. When the time comes to re-enter the work force, talking to someone who has walked this same path can be extremely helpful. Ask a co-worker who had a child in the past year or was out for an illness to share how they went about transitioning back to work. It can also help to talk to friends who can offer ideas that are outside of your workplace bubble that you may be able to utilize in your company.

Unemployed

When you have been laid off, panic sets in and you start looking for a job right away that is similar to what you had. However, being temporarily jobless is the perfect time to consider what your future goals are and if you are interested in entering a new field. Take a moment to talk to former senior colleagues or bosses for their take on how your skills could transfer to other positions. Their feedback can not only make you optimistic, but it also can give you advice about what is lacking in your resume and give you directions on how to proceed. They may also give you new ideas of jobs you hadn’t thought about.

Go For It

Mentors are experienced and trusted advisors who can help to guide, direct, and shape your present situation and future opportunities for the better. They serve as a sounding board and can introduce you to new ideas and new people that can open up doors to new possibilities for their mentees. Since the relationship between a mentor and a mentee doesn’t cost any money, it is a priceless asset. Take advantage of it.