A mentor can change your career

Finding a mentor in your career can be one of the most valuable investments you can make. A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate the ups and downs of working in the tech industry. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of mentorship, and provide some strategies for finding a mentor who can help you achieve your professional goals.

Why have a mentor? 

First, let's talk about why mentorship is so important. A mentor can be a sounding board for your ideas, and can help you identify blind spots in your thinking. They can also provide you with valuable feedback, and help you develop the skills and experience you need to succeed in your field. Having someone to turn to who has been through the same challenges you're facing can be incredibly helpful, and can help you avoid making the same mistakes they did.

In addition to these practical benefits, a mentor can also provide you with a sense of belonging and community. The tech industry can be a competitive and fast-paced environment, and having someone you can rely on for support can be a great source of comfort. Additionally, a mentor can serve as a role model for you, and can inspire you to set higher goals for yourself.

How to find a mentor

So, how do you find a mentor? One of the best ways to find a mentor is through networking. Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences, and introduce yourself to people in your field. You may be surprised by how open and willing people are to help others.

Another way to find a mentor is through your existing professional network. Think about the people you already know, such as coworkers, supervisors, or alumni from your school. They may be able to introduce you to someone who can be a mentor, or they may be willing to be a mentor themselves.

You can also look for mentorship programs at your company, or in your community. Many organisations offer formal mentorship programs that match mentors with mentees. These programs can be a great way to connect with a mentor who has the experience and skills you're looking for.

Once you've identified potential mentors, it's important to approach them in the right way. Here are a few tips for reaching out:

• Be specific about what you're looking for in a mentor. Are you looking for someone who can provide guidance on a specific topic? Are you looking for someone who can help you develop your leadership skills? Be clear about your goals and expectations so that your potential mentor knows what you're looking for.

• Be respectful of their time. Your potential mentor is likely a busy person, so be mindful of how much time you're asking them to commit.

• Be prepared to offer something in return. While a mentor is there to help you, it's also important to think about how you can help them. For example, you could offer to help them with a project or provide them with valuable information.

• Be open and honest about your goals and aspirations. Having a sense of direction is important for any mentor-mentee relationship

Once you've established a mentoring relationship, it's important to put in the effort to maintain it. Regularly check in with your mentor, and be open to feedback and constructive criticism. Make sure to thank them for their time and support, and let them know how much you appreciate their guidance.

My journey with mentors

I've been incredibly fortunate in my career in that I've had many good direct managers, team mates and other colleagues or acquaintances who have acted as mentors. Through their help I've learned new skills, been able to brainstorm ideas, developed further career opportunities and received help with ongoing tasks to improve my performance.

I have one stand out mentor in particular who I first met when I worked in demand generation, booking meetings and finding leads for an account manager. Said account manager helped me transition from inside sales to field sales, teaching me further aspects of the sales process and how to do territory planning, account planning, forecasting, negotiating and closing. We were very successful together and my mentor then facilitated my career move to 2 more different companies. All told, we worked in 3 different places together and I learned more there than I have anywhere else, it set the foundations for my career. I don't think I would be where I am today if it wasn't for this person. (Thank you so much DWC, you know who you are!).

This is not a love note to my mentor(s) but the point here is that there is HUGE value in building relationships and working closely with somebody to fill the gaps or sharpen your tools. I would recommend that you find yourself one or more mentors whenever possible. 

The other aspect to this, is that I now try to pay this forward. Anyone who wants tips or help - my door is always open! It's incredibly rewarding to see someone have success with a little help from some advice you've offered. Be mentored and mentor others! 

Summary

In conclusion, mentorship can be an incredibly valuable asset in your career in tech. Not only can it provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed, but it can also help you build a sense of community and belonging in the industry. By networking, utilising existing professional relationships, and being proactive in reaching out to potential mentors, you can find the right mentor to help you achieve your professional goals.

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