A lot of the time, the process of career planning is not something you can do on your own. Because career planning involves goals, it seems only natural to involve those who you look up to in your journey. The role of a mentor is filled by someone whom you look up to. You may have the same goals as them. They may be on a career path or have a job at the moment that you would like to have. The sharing between the mentor and the mentee makes all the difference.
For the apprentice, or mentee,
there is an opportunity to get advice and insight about different
career decisions from a person who has the experience. You may also
be able to learn much from them and network with people that they
know. From the mentor's perspective, they are able to increase
their leadership capabilities.
- Do you want your mentor to be a sort of leader in their respected field, does this field relate to you?
- Do you look up to them?
- Are their accomplishments meaningful to you?
- Are you able to feel comfortable talking with them?
- Do you feel like they enjoy your company?
- Are they judgmental?
- Would there be a conflict of interest if they did become your mentor?
- Can you picture the skills you'd like to learn from them?
- Are they in touch with the real world?
- Do you share common career goals?
- Is
communication strong between you?
The next step is to take initiative in seeking out a mentor. This may mean thinking in your head about people you know that would make good mentors to you. Or people you know that have great networking abilities that might be able to find someone who you can get talking with about their accomplishments and career goals.
These mentors
should be people with whom you can go to with your own
accomplishments, defeats, new ideas. After receiving this from you,
they should be able to offer feedback, constructive criticism and
nonjudgmental advice.
1. Cast a wide net: Look beyond the leaders you know that make their leadership known, genuine leaders will make better mentors. You will probably find the best possible mentors in the people you may work with, or work under.
2. Tell family and friends you're looking for a mentor: They may be able to connect you with someone suitable.
3. Look within your volunteer commitments: Chances are these people are successful outside of just helping to volunteer.
4. Government Organizations: In some cases government organizations in your country can help you pair up with entrepreneurs and professionals within the industries you're interested in. Not too sure about the specifics of this, however organizations do exist where "life coaches" or professional career mentors can help you out with your decision making.
5.
Professors and Teachers: Having this connection is
a great resource. They have many connections to successful alumni,
probably those that have decided to pursue interests beyond their
field of study. Talk to your professors and teachers to see whether
they know anyone that may be suitable.
Mentors help you
bridge the between getting into a profession and having goals and
having a personal connection to help reach those goals. A mentor
will help provide opportunities and feedback on your performance
and help you to sustain your goals. They will be able to share
their understanding of their career setting and help you to inspire
your own. Mentors are able to give a personal account of their own
career path and to share that gives you a great perspective and an
opportunity to make the best choices.
So, why not strive to have great goals and personal support and contact in your dream field or occupation? Having a professional in your midst on your career planning journey is very worthwhile.
References:
Reh, John F. "Mentors and Mentoring". About.com, Management
Photo 1 Urban Education Resource Centre
Photo 2 Photo Mojo
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