How to Find a Mentor – 5 Things to Remember

Involving in a mentoring relationship can be extremely beneficial for your career development. In the form of a mentor, you get an advisor, a teacher, a counselor, and a friend to share all your problems with. That’s why finding the right mentor is not an option, it’s a necessity.

But the question is, how will you find the perfect mentor from a pool of professionals? 

The answer is, don’t just look for someone who has experience in your industry or a job that you want. Look for a like-minded person who is willing to help you.

Here are 5 important tips on how to find a mentor.

1. Know Your Needs Before You Look For A Mentor

If you want to find the right mentor, invest in yourself. Know your career goals and aspirations. Know your needs. And most importantly, know yourself – what kind of a person you are, your abilities, and your weaknesses. The clearer you are about your goals and needs, the easier it will be for you to find the perfect mentor for yourself.

What do you want to accomplish from the relationship? How do you think a mentor can help you? Until and unless you know why having a mentor is important to you, you will not be able to find the right mentor.

2. Look in Your Own Professional Network

Looking in your professional circle is the easiest way to find a mentor. See if there is someone in your circle who can be committed to you in a mentoring relationship. They can be your former manager, a colleague, or a friend who knows your industry and can give you long-term advice.

If you feel you are comfortable with the person to share your professional and personal challenges, you can reach out to them and see if they are willing to help you. When a person is aware of your work and abilities, they are more effective at mentoring you.

Also, think if someone is already mentoring you informally, you can ask them to be your formal mentor.

Also Read: How to Become a Certified Mentor

3. Attend Professional Networking Events

Networking events are not just about showing up and passing out business cards, it’s about meeting people, sharing who you are, and gaining some valuable contacts and information that might help you in the future.

If you prefer talking to people in person rather than communicating via emails, networking events can be a blessing for you. You will be able to meet professionals with different areas of expertise and expand your network, even if you don’t find a mentor in the first event you attend.

4. Join a Professional Association

A professional association is a non-profit organization who seeks to further a particular profession or industry. Such places can be helpful for you to find professionals from your industry who can serve as mentors. 

Look for someone who is not your competitor in the market and has achieved the level of success you are willing to achieve. Make connections with them and see if you find someone who can be a perfect mentor for you.

Also Read: Why Mentoring Training is Important for Mentors?

5. Take advantage of Social Media To Find A Mentor

The power of social media platforms in today’s world is not unknown to anyone. Take advantage of these platforms to find your mentor. You can use a professional-centric platform like LinkedIn or a public platform like Twitter to find people who are willing to guide others. 

Grow your social media network. Connect with professionals who you think can be your mentor and form a relationship with them. Get to know their personality as you try to manifest yours. 

Though it is time-consuming, social media is an extremely effective way to find a mentor.

Once you find a professional who, you think, is the one you are looking for, the next big task is convincing them to be your mentor.

Also Read: What to Ask Your Mentor During Mentoring Sessions?

How to Ask Someone To Be Your Mentor?

When you are asking someone to mentor you, have your elevator pitch ready. It will include a clear career goal, why you think he/she is the right mentor for you, what value you can add to the mentoring relationship, your time commitment, and your mentoring expectations. Do your homework and mention what you like about them and their work.