Everyone faces challenges at some point in their career. Regardless of the magnitude of these challenges, we are forced to improve on what we know which leads to the need to grow, improve and align oneself with what is necessary and important towards one’s ultimate goals and vision. This is one of the major reasons why mentorship cannot be overemphasized.
It is not easy to find TRUE mentors — I mean, mentors who are intentional about your growth and success. We all need mentors who want to see us GROW, who are enthusiastic about our PROGRESS, see a GREAT future for us and would not mind becoming one of the keys to our SUCCESS.
Here are some TIPS on how to choose mentors wisely.
Set out a list of your dream mentors
I believe in planning ahead before taking any important step. To get great mentors, you have to know what you want and find people who can put you through it. This entails:
- Ensuring their career falls in line with your aspirations — it would be tiring to have a Product Manager as a mentor when you aspire to be a better UX designer. There is no harm in having the Product Manager to help once in a while, but not as a mentor.
- They are experienced and successful in your career choice — you need someone who has gone through the hurdles you are facing and ended up victorious!
- They are willing to mentor people — you can not force anyone to do what they don’t want to do. If someone isn’t interested in mentoring you, they would always be too busy to listen to you.
Get to know them ahead
Follow them on LinkedIn, follow them on their social media accounts, watch their videos, read their articles. You need to understand the type of people they are. Interact with them and ask MEANINGFUL questions. These questions can be based on an article they wrote, what they said, or even a random question in the field. Establish an Informal Relationship!
Are they ready to help?
Do they really identify with your career?
Do the standards of design they use in their countries coincide with yours?
Does your vision match up with their progress?
Is there a perspective to push you?
Check out for the Visionary Mindset
If they already mentor other people, check out for their progress. A good mentor would always have a vision for his/her mentee and would work towards that goal.
Here are some things I need you to keep in mind
- Your mentor can be anyone. A friend who is more experienced than you, an older colleague, someone you met in a conference, an online personality.
- Avoid choosing mentors based on only the titles they carry.
- Be prepared. Your attitude towards these people can lead to your growth or not. The means by which you approach them would majorly determine the type of response you would get.
