Meet Your Mentor

Hello, Anita:

I took a new job a few months ago in an industry that I am unfamiliar with. I am very eager to learn as much as I possibly can about this new area and want to find a mentor to help guide me through this transition. What should I look for in a mentor and how do I find one that is best suited for me?

Thanks!

Hi, Mentor Wanted:

Mentors are great resources to help build your knowledge in a new industry. I strongly believe that everyone should have a mentor and develop a strong relationship during their career. Good mentors provide a source of inspiration, understanding, motivation, and knowledge. Their guidance and perspective can help shape your decision-making and help you become the best professional you can be.

When looking for a mentor, it is important to understand what you want out of mentor-mentee relationship. Before you begin inquiring about mentee opportunities, be sure you have the answers to the questions:

• What are your career goals?
• How do you hope to benefit from a mentor?
• How do you think you can contribute to the relationship?
• How often do you wish to meet or communicate?
• What are the expectations for each person involved?

Once you have a clear understanding of what you would like from your mentee experience, it is time to do some digging and find your new mentor. I found a great article called The Wealth of Mentoring from one of my favorite resources, TradePost, that spells out some great tips for finding a mentor that will mesh with you. Coupled with a few of my own, these suggestions are great to keep in mind during your search:

• Similar Career Goals: Find a mentor who is not only accomplished in your field but who has career goals that match your own.
• Be Selective: Find someone who you think will be the best fit to help you in your career.
• Personality Match: Find a mentor whose personality complements your own.
• Referrals: Ask your human resources department, colleagues, and friends for good ideas of possible mentors.
• Look outside of your office: Finding a mentor that is not directly related to your company can be great. Look to associations, business groups, and even family friends
• Your new mentor may be younger: Don’t discriminate because of age. I am a full supporter of teaching old dogs (like me) new tricks!
• Don’t limit yourself:  Have a variety of mentors to help strike a balance in all areas of your profession.

Keep in mind that finding a great mentor is not a race. Select carefully and spend time developing the relationship. The mentor you decide to work with may become your next business best friend and ally.

Readers: What qualities do you look for when selecting a mentor? What is the most important must-have trait you want in your mentors?