Finding a mentor can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can find someone who can help you reach your goals. Before you start your search, it's essential to understand what you're looking for in a mentor. Think about the type of advice and guidance you need, and the areas of your career that you want to focus on. Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, it's time to start looking for potential mentors.
The first step is to communicate with your current network. Reach out to people in your industry and ask if they know anyone who could be a good mentor for you. You can also attend volunteer events or social clubs to meet new people who may be able to help you. When you find someone who could be a potential mentor, it's important to stay in the driver's seat and be proactive in your relationship with them.
Have a goal for your mentoring relationship and make sure that your mentor is aware of it. Ask them what they like to do on the weekends, what books they like to read, or what hobbies they're interested in. This will help you get to know them better and build a stronger relationship. When looking for a potential mentor who fits this category, be sure to check their references.
Merrell recommends inviting a potential mentor for coffee and having an informal conversation with them about work and some of the challenges you're facing. Once you've found a mentor, respect their time and take care of the logistics. Show your respect by not demanding too much of their time. About once a month or two is good for the first year, and as time goes on and you've established a good mentoring relationship, it's okay to ping your mentor even once a quarter.
People want to mentor intelligent and interesting people, so make sure that you prepare for your conversations in a way that shows that you're engaged and that you know your field. A mentor is someone who can act as your animator and guide, encourage you to apply for new opportunities and help you deal with challenging situations. Staying in the driver's seat and being proactive in your relationship with your mentor is key to success. These simple principles will help you develop strong mentoring relationships, no matter what stage of your career you're in.
