As a young professional, you are looking for all the help and advice you can get. While you’re still a student you have the fantastic resource of your professors and classmates. However, once you leave school it becomes much more difficult to find feedback and support. This is why you need a mentor.
In order to maximize your success as a professional, you will need to turn to those with more experience and unique insights for help. A mentor doesn’t have to be in the same career field or at the same company. Find someone who you admire and trust. Also, ensure it is a person whose feedback you value highly. Here are five reasons why you need a mentor.
1. They offer professional advice
Whether you are editing your CV or preparing for an important presentation, having outside advice is crucial. A mentor can take an objective view of your work and help you to improve it. With years of industry experience, your mentor will have great ideas and tips that you can use to succeed. They’ve learned from their mistakes and now you can too.
2. They can introduce you to important contacts
Having a mentor is a great way to get your foot in the door. At this point in their career, they know a lot about the industry and have contacts across many different organizations and levels. Make the most of their introductions by following up on LinkedIn, and make sure to check in with your mentor when applying for jobs. They may be able to make a connection for you.
3. They support your growth and development
A mentor’s main focus is to help you grow professionally and personally. Many mentors suggest workshops, readings or training for their pupil. With a mentor, these resources are specific to you, based on your strengths and weaknesses that your mentor identifies.
4. They provide constructive criticism
Feedback is one of the most important things a mentor can offer you. Once you complete your studies, you will not have the ability to submit rough drafts and make edits based on your professor’s notes. In a professional setting, it’s important to get things right the first time, particularly when presenting or submitting to your supervisor. A mentor is the perfect person to give you honest criticism about your work and help you improve it.
5. They are there to support and encourage you
Everyone could use some extra encouragement, regardless of where you are in your professional career. A mentor can help pick you up when you fall down, and encourage you to learn from your mistakes.
Now that you know why you need a mentor, apply now to boost your career with an internship and connect with people in your field!
Sources:
https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/10-reasons-why-a-mentor-is-a-must.html
Photos:
1. based on GH Youth Summit 2017, by Global Health Fellows Program, CC 2.0
2. based on 150624_113, by VIA Agency, CC 2.0
3. based on 2017 Drive-in Conference, by Texas Tech University, CC 2.0
