Career Mentorship: How to Connect and Grow for Business Success

As the great philosopher Aristotle once said, “Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” While he may have been speaking about the pursuit of knowledge, this quote rings true in the professional world as well. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, career mentorship can be an invaluable asset in your quest for success.

90% of workers who have a mentor report being happy in their job, and those who are involved in mentoring roles have a 50% higher retention than those who aren’t involved. Around 84% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs, including 100% of Fortune 50 companies – demonstrating the importance recognised by all market leading businesses. While this is the case, only 37% of professionals have a mentor, showing how it’s very important for individuals to work on getting themselves a mentor for their career.

But how do you go about finding a mentor, and what exactly can they do for you? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of having a mentor and offer some tips for connecting with the right person to help you grow.

What are the benefits of Career Mentorship?

First and foremost, career mentorship can provide you with guidance and insight into your industry that you may not have otherwise. They can offer advice on everything from navigating office politics to refining your skills and expanding your network. A good mentor can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to achieve your goals.

Here is a more expansive list on the benefits of career mentorship:

1. Knowledge and expertise: A mentor can provide insights, information, and advice based on their own experiences and expertise. They can offer guidance on how to navigate the industry and offer insights on how to develop your skills and knowledge. Mentees are promoted five times more often than those without a mentor, showing the valuable knowledge you can develop during the relationship for your career growth.
2. Networking: Mentors can introduce you to their contacts and help you build relationships within the industry. This can help you expand your network and create more opportunities for career growth.
3. Skill development: A mentor can offer feedback and guidance on specific skills and areas of improvement, helping you to develop new skills and refine existing ones.
4. Career guidance: Mentors can provide guidance on career paths and advancement opportunities. They can help you set goals and develop a plan to achieve them.
5. Emotional support: A mentor can provide emotional support and encouragement during challenging times. They can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
6. Increased confidence: With the guidance and support of a mentor, you may feel more confident in your abilities and more comfortable taking on new challenges and opportunities. 87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered by their mentoring relationships, and have developed greater confidence.

How can you get a mentor?

So, how do you find a mentor? One option is to look within your own organisation. Is there someone in a higher position who you admire and would like to learn from? Reach out to them and express your interest in having them as a mentor. You can also network outside of your organisation, attending industry events and seeking out professionals in your field who are willing to share their knowledge.

When you do connect with a potential mentor, it’s important to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning. Be respectful of their time and expertise, but don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. And remember, a mentoring relationship should be mutually beneficial – what can you offer your mentor in return?

Once you’ve found the right mentor, it’s important to actively work to grow the relationship. Be open to feedback and take action on their advice. Set goals and check in regularly to track your progress. And don’t be afraid to ask for additional support when you need it.

So, how can you find a mentor and start reaping the benefits of mentorship? Here are a few steps to get you started:

1. Identify your goals. Before you start searching for a mentor, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve through the mentorship relationship. This will help you find a mentor who can support you in these areas.
2. Network, network, network. One of the best ways to find a mentor is to get involved in professional organizations and attend industry events. This will allow you to connect with others in your field and potentially find a mentor who is a good fit for you. Building relationships is important, as only 14% of mentor relationships started by asking someone to be their mentor – 61% of relationships developed naturally.
3. Ask for recommendations. Talk to colleagues, friends, and family members about your search for a mentor. They may know someone who would be a good fit for you.
4. Be open to different forms of mentorship. Mentorship can take many forms, from a one-on-one relationship to a group mentorship program. Be open to different options and find the best fit for you.
5. Be prepared to put in the work. A mentorship relationship requires effort and commitment from both parties. Make sure you are willing to invest time and energy into the relationship to get the most out of it.

Once you have found a mentor, it’s important to make the most of the relationship. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your mentorship:

1. Set clear goals and expectations. Make sure you and your mentor have a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve through the relationship.
2. Be proactive. Don’t wait for your mentor to reach out to you. Take initiative and schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress and get feedback.
3. Be open and honest. Share your thoughts and concerns with your mentor. They are there to help and support you.
4. Be a good listener. Your mentor has valuable knowledge and experience to share. Listen attentively and ask questions to learn as much as you can.
5. Show appreciation. Acknowledge and appreciate the time and effort your mentor has put into the relationship.

By following these tips, you can find a mentor who will help you find career success and reach your professional goals. So, start networking and finding the right mentor for you today!

What do you think about Career Mentorship?

Finding a mentor can be a key factor in achieving career success. By seeking out the guidance of someone with more experience and expertise, you can gain a valuable insight into your industry and develop the skills and connections you need to advance your career. So don’t be afraid to reach out and make that connection – as another wise philosopher once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Have any other suggestions for finding a mentor? Give us an email at [email protected], or let us know on our LinkedIn or Facebook Pages!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our RekkTalk Newsletter, and visit our RekkBlog!