The right mentoring relationship can be a powerful tool for professional growth – it can lead to a new job, a promotion or a better work-life balance. The trickiest thing about mentoring is that it’s often informal, and that can make it difficult to find an entry point.
Finding the Right Mentor
Know your goals
- Work SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound
- Find an identity-based mentor in your organization
- Be cognizant of your existing network
- Recognize the difference between a mentor and a sponsor
Making the Ask
Have an elevator pitch ready
- Be clear of your goals and why you think this person is the right mentor for you
- Feel this out by having informal meetings where you discuss your goals & trajectory
- Mention what you like about the person’s work
- Tell them specifically what you’ve gotten out of past conversations with them
- Make sure they are considering this mentorship as an option & not an obligation
Tips on Being a Good Mentee
Goals still matter
- Meet consistently
- Video conference is a good start
- Set an agenda
- Be open to feedback
- Decide on an end date
- No right or wrong number of mentors as you progress through your professional career
- Consider establishing a board of mentors
