A mentor can help shape your career.
Mentors can help you develop clear goals and realistic objectives. They can help you develop self- awareness in the assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. They can help navigate interoffice politics or understanding an organization’s culture. They can provide honest feedback, provide you with a fresh perspective on issues and help you grow professionally.
Making assumptions about who would be a good mentor or that someone will automatically agree to serve as your mentor can lead to disappointment. It is important be prepared for a meaningful conversation about what it is you expect. To ensure your needs will be met, there are several points to consider in advance:
- What are your goals?
- What is it you need to learn?
- What are you hoping to gain?
- What are your expectations from a mentor?
- Can one person provide all you need?
- Why are you selecting this person?
- What are you willing to commit to?
- How will you approach them?