HOW TO CONNECT WITH A MENTOR AT WORK

by: Derek Goodman (Contributing Writer) | published: August 28, 2022

Navigating the working world can be tricky, especially if you’re still rather new in your profession. One of the best things you can do moving forward is to find a mentor who can show you the ropes and give you some good advice about how to succeed in your chosen career. Read on to learn how to connect with a mentor.

Finding a Mentor
Your first step in connecting with a mentor is finding one. Begin by looking around your workplace. Talk to senior employees in your department and see if anyone would be willing to share some time and wisdom. If you work from home or are self-employed, connect with more experienced workers online, either through your employee communication system or on professional forums. Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people. You might just find a mentor.

Assisting in Success
When you do connect with the right mentor, that person can assist you in finding success in
your profession. Your mentor might, for example, offer advice about keeping your resume current and including the right information. You can learn about what employers in your field expect to see according to industry standards. You might also get some tips about how to make your resume look perfectly professional. You can actually use free online resume templates to help you here. Start with a template, and add your information, photos, and images. The best part: you can put together a great-looking resume in no time, which is great when you want to send one out ASAP.

Building a Relationship
As is the case with any relationship, your connection with your mentor will grow over time. Build that relationship by communicating frequently, getting together in person from time to time, and always behaving respectfully. Ask questions, but don’t overwhelm your mentor or demand too much time or energy. Show your appreciation, too, with thank-you messages.

Accepting Advice
One of the best ways you can show your appreciation for your mentor is by accepting and following advice. This involves some humility, so remember that you’re still new in your profession and that other people know more than you do. Be flexible enough to try ideas that seem strange to you. If your mentor tells you, for instance, to handle a conflict in a certain way, give it a try even if you had another plan. You might discover that your mentor’s idea was just right for the circumstances. Retain your individuality, though. You don’t have to copy your mentor in everything. The best mentors actually encourage
creativity and independent thought.

Mentoring Others
As you grow in your profession and gain more experience, you might find yourself mentoring others. Pay close attention to how your own mentor has interacted with you over time and implement some of those strategies. Be as open and helpful to younger, less experienced workers as your mentor has been to you and take the time to answer questions and provide advice.

Connecting With Your Mentor
Having a mentor can greatly increase your skills, improve your efficiency, and help you succeed in your career, so find the right mentor in your Kenton area workplace or elsewhere, and learn how that mentor can boost your success. Build your relationship, and accept advice, and you might find yourself soon mentoring others. For mentoring options, visit Prosper Pathways contact page.