HAVING A CAREER MENTOR:
Remember when spending time with your mentor meant taking advice from grandpa or learning how to read with your elementary school teacher? Now that childhood is in the rearview mirror, who is the person that steers you in the right direction?
Having a professional mentor can provide career insight in all industry fields, including healthcare and apartment industries. It can allow you to learn from someone who has “already been there.” He or she can open doors, offer advice, and help you through a difficult situation. Elizabeth Freedman, author of “Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace Without Hanging Yourself” and “The MBA Student’s Job-Seeking Bible,” says that some benefits include shortening your career learning curve and improving your network contacts.
3 THINGS TO REMEMBER:
1. It doesn’t always happen instantly. Just like most worthy relationship, it takes time.
2. Come to your mentor meetings prepared and follow up with any to-dos.
3. Connect in a way that’s quick and easy for your first meeting. Time is of high value to most people.
WHERE DO I FIND A MENTOR?
Joining professional associates, networking organizations or online industry groups is a great way to identify individuals that potentially would be a good fit.
IT FEELS AWKWARD ASKING, “WILL YOU BE MY MENTOR
While some mentor relationships can be clearly defined, a label is not always necessary. Finding someone who is approachable is helpful. Try asking a potential mentor, “Could I buy you a cup of coffee sometime in the next few weeks? I’m very interested in how you became successful in what you do.” You might be surprised; flattery can go a long way.
Do you have any tips to share? What worked or hasn’t worked with mentor ship?
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