How to pick a mentor

The internet has changed our lives - and mostly for the better. We can now access information, make friends and even make money just by using the internet. One of the other awesome benefits of the digital world, is the access that you have to people that can help you grow a career.

You can now use the internet to find a mentor or career coach who can help you succeed. Isn’t that awesome? We have a few tips and tricks that you can use to help you pick your next mentor.

Read, read, read

Just like you would with any big project, you have to read up on the career that you want to pursue. Find out who the industry leaders are in your chosen field and do some research on the work that they do. Read about companies in your chosen career as well. Some companies offer mentorship programs that you may be able to apply for.

Keep your options open

Now that you have read up on all the big shots in the industry that you want to go into, make a list of the ones that you think will make great mentors. Keep in mind that this doesn’t have to be famous people or CEOs, your list can be made up of career professionals in your community as well. Choose four of your favourites to contact. You choose four so that your options are always open in case one or two of them decline your request. If you’re lucky all of them will say yes and then you have new choices to make.

Shoot your shot

It’s as easy as that. Now that you have chosen your mentors, send them a message using, you guessed it, the internet. You can reach out to them by sending an e-mail or a message on social media. An email is considered more professional so it is your best option. If you have chosen to apply for a mentorship program at a company, make sure that you apply before the closing date and that you have sent in all the correct documentation.

Tips to make the most of your mentorship

This is your time to gain as much as you can. Ask everything that comes to mind, mine your mentor for all of their knowledge. You might never get another chance to do this.

Arrive on time, dress appropriately and do what is asked of you (within reason). Your mentor can help you launch your career so you don’t want them to have a bitter taste when they think of you.

Send a thank you note, text or email when the mentorship is over. Now that you’ve built a good relationship with your mentor, keep it going. Send a text asking them how they are every now and then without being too overbearing or annoying.

Do you have a mentor? If not, tell us in the comment section who you will be reaching out to, to ask for mentorship