How to find a mentorship

Moving forward in your career can sometimes be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The mentorship of a more experienced person in your industry can provide the guidance and support you need to overcome challenges. So, how do you go about finding a professional mentor? This guide can help you understand the importance of mentors and how to find the best one for your career goals.

Why professional mentors are important

Navigating the business world isn’t easy. With the safety net of school behind you, it can sometimes feel like you’re left to sink or swim. You may have helpful managers and colleagues around you, but you may need to fend for yourself when they’re busy.

A mentor can be an important life raft as you make your way through corporate waters. They were once at the same career stage, so they can share their experience and knowledge to help you. A mentor can also introduce you to contacts to widen your network and act as a sounding board when making career decisions. A good mentor can celebrate your career wins and commiserate with your setbacks, making them an invaluable resource during any stage of your professional life.

Having a job mentor also has unexpected benefits. People with professional mentors are twice as likely to feel engaged with their duties and workplace. They’re also twice as likely to believe they have professional growth and learning opportunities and 98% more likely to recommend their employer. People with formal mentors in the office are also more inclined to believe their employer has a clear plan for their progression than those with informal mentors.

How to find a mentor in business

People find mentors in various places, including their workplace, at professional events, and online. Several strategies can help you improve your chances of finding a professional mentor.

Identify potential mentors in your network

People in your existing network often make the best mentors since they already have a connection with you and understand your capabilities. Think about all the people you already know and admire. Consider senior colleagues or managers, university professors, or business contacts. Create a shortlist of potential mentors in your order of preference.

Consider options outside your network

If you don’t feel there are any suitable mentorship candidates in your network, you can widen your search. Anyone you encounter that you click with has the potential to be a good mentor. For example, you may hit it off with someone at a conference or industry event. You may discover someone you admire in an industry-based social media community or by reading their published works. You may also find a good match through a community mentorship program. Public institutions such as libraries and community centers often run these initiatives.

“A good mentor can celebrate your career wins and commiserate with your setbacks, making them an invaluable resource during any stage of your professional life.”

Assess whether your preferred mentor is the right fit

Arrange a meeting time with your top choice and see whether they’re a good fit for you. An informal meeting, such as a coffee date, can help you see whether this person is the right mentor for you. If meeting face-to-face isn’t convenient, a preliminary phone call or video conference can help determine if they can provide the mentoring you need to succeed.

Consider asking the person for guidance on a particular issue so you can assess their advice. For example, if you’re looking to make a career move, ask them to help you create a profile so employers can find you. Ask them about their interests, such as favorite books or hobbies, to see whether you have common ground. Evaluate whether talking with them feels natural and if your goals align with their experiences.

Schedule a follow-up meeting

If the initial meeting goes well, schedule another time to chat with your potential mentor. If you’ve asked for help with an issue, you may decide to meet up again once you’ve implemented their advice. It’s a good sign if your potential mentor is agreeable to a second meeting, as they may have time in their schedule for a mentorship. Restarting the process and considering other options may be best if they’re unavailable.

Ask your potential mentor to work with you

If your relationship is going well after a couple of meetings, consider asking whether your preferred candidate is open to mentoring you. Share why you admire them and believe their guidance could help you in your career. You can speak to them in person if you see them regularly or call or email them. If they agree, you can start meeting regularly for mentoring sessions. If they have other obligations or priorities, thank them for considering your offer and evaluate another candidate on your shortlist.

What to look for in a mentor

Partnering with a mentor with the right qualities is essential. Several factors can help you determine if a mentor is the best fit for you.

A career that aligns with your goals

The best mentors have careers you’d like to emulate. They can share how they got to their position and guide you toward similar success. Consider your career goals and identify potential mentors who have already achieved these feats.

A natural rapport

A good mentorship relationship is open and honest. Feeling like your mentor understands you can help your conversation flow. Being comfortable with your mentor makes sharing your experiences, aspirations, and concerns easier.

The ability to push and challenge you

While feeling supported where you are feels good, real growth comes outside your comfort zone. Try to find a mentor who’ll challenge you rather than always agreeing with your point of view. The best mentors understand your capabilities and challenge you to seize new opportunities where they know you can succeed.

Key common traits, if applicable

If you want a mentor with direct experience dealing with some of your unique challenges, choose someone who’s a lot like you. It’s common, for example, for women underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math fields to seek out female mentors in their industry.

As fewer minorities hold leadership positions, finding a mentor who shares key traits with you may be challenging. Commonalities aren’t crucial to the mentoring relationship, though, and a mentor who is different from you can offer diverse perspectives. In contrast, a mentor who shares common ground with you may be more able to offer relevant advice you wouldn’t get from someone without those similarities.

Now that you understand why a mentor is vital for your success and what to look for in these important figures, it’s time to start your search. Put our tips in place to begin enjoying the career benefits of mentorship, whether you have a partner throughout your career or for a shorter time. Revisit this guide when you need to find a new mentorship.