5 Reasons to Find a Career Mentor

Not sure if you’re in the right career field? Feel a little lost as to what your next career move should be? Find answers to these and other questions by meeting with a career mentor. Many people simply go through the motions of work each day without ever really creating a career aim. A career mentor will provide direction for your career future and will set the record straight on many of your work-related questions.

A career mentor can be anyone from a professional business coach to an experienced professional you happen to meet who is also in your career field. The following are five reasons why a career mentor may be right for you.

Build a Professional Network

A great way to secure a successful career future is by building a professional network. Professional networks often lead to higher paying jobs, a better understanding of career fields and insight into career-related issues. Unfortunately, building a professional network can be a little tricky, especially if you’ve recently relocated for a new job.

By finding a career mentor, you can begin using the mentor’s connections to build your professional network. From learning about professional organizations to connecting with others in similar career stages as you, the career mentor can connect you with a wealth of resources.

Learn the Ropes

Starting a new career is often overwhelming. Rather than fumbling through the first years alone, use the guidance of a career mentor to quickly learn the ropes. The advice given by your mentor will be invaluable in helping you to build upon your best skills while minimizing your newbie tendencies.

Avoid Mistakes

The first year on the job is often filled with mistakes. Rather than starting your career off on a low note, use the guidance of a mentor to avoid common newbie mistakes. From learning how to interact with coworkers to discovering what not to do while on the job, your mentor’s advice will help you to easily sidestep many entry level pitfalls.

Get an Honest Viewpoint

Unsure if your chosen career field is the right one? Find a career mentor and gain an honest opinion on what life will be like down the road if you continue on the current career path. From learning about the day-to-day details to discovering how much you’ll be making in ten years, you can use the mentor’s advice to either stay the course or jump ship.

Gain Confidence

Many entry level employees lack career confidence due to limited job experience. Gain confidence more quickly by learning as much as possible from a career mentor. With this increased confidence comes the chance for increased work performance, pay raises and more.

A large chunk of your adult years will be spent at work. Ensure your chosen career field is the best one for you by meeting with a career mentor. Mentors foster the professional growth of others and can ensure you’re on the best career path.

Author Bio: Shayla Ebsen is a full-time freelance writer and graphic designer with more than seven years combined experience from her time in the corporate world and through her freelance work. Shayla’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in News/Editorial Journalism from South Dakota State University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from the University of South Dakota. Learn more about Shayla and her services at shaylaebsen.com.

Comments

[Linda Hildebrant]

As you mentioned, one of the biggest benefits of having a mentor in the industry you're interested in is being able to see what the job will really be like a few years down the line. If you're still in school or currently looking for full-time work, perhaps ask if you can job shadow for a few days and really get a feel for what the job and environment will be like.

Another idea is to have this person look over your resume. Particularly if he or she has been involved in hiring, this can give you valuable insight into which characteristics to emphasize, what format is most attention-grabbing, etc.