Experience is the Best Teacher

Whether you're a student just starting your career, a seasoned employee trying to get ahead or a high-ranking professional looking to switch fields, a mentor can help you move forward successfully and, ideally, with less effort.

Personal attention for personalized plans

Mentors make a difference because they serve as both an ally and a resource. Like a financial advisor or personal trainer, they provide counsel on how to make decisions based on your goals. They share what they know and draw from their experiences to help you:

• Set short- and long-term goals
• Create a plan that you can stick with
• Head off challenges before they turn into obstacles
• Network with the right people

Know one when you see one

While your mentor needs to fit your personality, the best ones:

• Prove reliable and trustworthy
• Remain committed to helping you succeed. They want to meet with you regularly.
• Work in a field similar to yours, or they hold the job for which you strive
• Share your values and principles
• Remain open and honest at all times, offering constructive criticism when you need it
• Treat you with respect, no matter how high their position
• Talk about both their failures as well as their accomplishments

Your job as protégé

Finding a savvy mentor is only half the battle. As a protégé, you'll need to bring your own talents to the table. The following tips should increase your odds for success:

• Talk about your expectations in detail and share examples. It's important to make sure that your mentor knows what you're looking for from the relationship and how you'd like their help.
• Listen, listen, listen. The whole reason you want a mentor is to shorten your learning curve. So it's important to pay attention and soak up as much information as possible.
• Get to know each other on a personal level. Not only does this build mutual trust, respect and loyalty, it also helps your mentor understand your goals and how the rest of your life plays a part.

Where to start

Begin your search for a mentor with your human resources department or your alma mater. Many schools and businesses already have formal mentorship programs. You may even find a mentor by reaching out to others you meet through industry associations or by attending professional networking events.

Finding the right mentor can take some work. But in the long run, the time you invest in the relationship can pay off by helping you create the career you've always dreamed of.

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