Remember when a mentor meant your grandpa giving advice or your elementary school teacher helping you learn to read? Now that childhood is behind you, you get to choose who guides you in the right direction.

A professional mentor can give you valuable career insight across any industry, including healthcare and the apartment industry. A mentor helps you learn from someone who has already succeeded in the path you want to follow. They can open doors, share advice, and guide you through challenging situations.

Elizabeth Freedman, author of Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace Without Hanging Yourself and The MBA Student’s Job-Seeking Bible, explains that mentorship shortens your career learning curve and expands your professional network.

3 THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Building a mentorship doesn’t happen instantly. Like any worthwhile relationship, it takes time to grow.

• Arrive prepared for each meeting and follow up on any action items afterward.

• Schedule your first meeting in a quick and convenient way. Respect your mentor’s time—it’s one of their most valuable resources.

WHERE DO I FIND A MENTOR?

Join professional associations, networking organizations, or online industry groups to meet potential mentors. These connections can help you identify individuals who are a good fit for your goals.

IT FEELS AWKWARD ASKING, “WILL YOU BE MY MENTOR”

Some mentor relationships develop clearly, but you don’t always need to label them. Focus on finding someone approachable who is eager to share their experience. Reach out directly and take initiative. Try asking a potential mentor, “Could I buy you a cup of coffee sometime in the next few weeks? I’d love to hear how you became successful in what you do.” You might be surprised—flattery and genuine interest can go a long way.

Do you have any tips to share? What has worked or not worked for you when it comes to mentorship?

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