Mentors can help you make progress toward your career goals. Here are tips for finding and keeping mentors.
Get out there. Make it easy for mentors to find you. Show up to events and other places where you can make connections, such as CASE conferences or a career center. You might even find mentors in places that have a personal, not professional, connection—a place of worship, a club, or a sports group, for example. Don’t be shy about talking about your interests, accomplishments, and your interest in finding a mentor. Many would-be mentors are excited about the idea of helping another professional and are just waiting for the right opportunity.
Try “cold calling” through social media. You can message people on Facebook or LinkedIn that you have some connection with and whose credentials you admire. For instance: “Fellow alum here—do you have any advice on how I can do XYZ?” Keep your message brief and specific. The result may be anything from no answer to a back-and-forth that can lead to a lasting mentor relationship.
Use your alumni network. Participate in alumni events, reach out to former professors, and ask if your alma mater offers a mentorship program.
Once you’ve identified a mentor, follow up. Set up a time to meet, ideally on a recurring basis. Bring a work in progress, a question, or a goal to the mentoring conversation, which is preferrable to having a general conversation.
Set your ego aside. Mentors will often tell you things that your friends and family won’t. Be open to feedback and be ready to accept help—all are opportunities to grow.
Don’t forget…thank your mentor sincerely and often.
