Trying to be successful in today’s world is tricky, as the constantly changing job landscape seems insurmountable. One way to get a little assistance along the way is with the help of a mentor. Debating on whether or not a mentor is right for you? Here are some of the best benefits of finding a quality mentor to guide your career path.
The Benefits of Having a Mentor
- Mentors help you brainstorm ideas. Maybe you’re not sure where you want your career to go. You might not know which of your ideas have potential and which are better left on the drawing board. Mentors have the insight to guide you and inspire you.
- Mentors act as disciplinarians. While mentors can be caring and supportive, they also have another important job — laying down the law. They’ll give you a slap on the wrist when you make a bad career move and push you to work even harder than you would on your own.
- Mentors can connect you with important people. Are you looking to rub elbows with some of the more elite professionals in your field? Chances are, a well-connected mentor can help you. They have years of experience and are probably at least on speaking terms with everyone you’d like to meet.
- Mentors can advise you. Looking at yourself in an unbiased way is tricky. Mentors have an outside glimpse of your performance and can easily see your strengths and your weaknesses. They’ll tell you what areas to improve on so you can be more successful in life.
- Mentors help you set goals. Sure, you know you want to be CEO someday. But how can you get there when you’re starting at the bottom of the pyramid? Mentors can help you set realistic and attainable goals for both your short-term and long-term goals.
- Mentors don’t let you settle. You just got that promotion; now you can take a break in your career. It’s this kind of mentality that gets people stuck in jobs they hate. Mentors will never let you settle when you have bigger goals to achieve.
- Mentors share their personal experiences. Sometimes, it might feel like you’re the only one who has ever suffered this much climbing the corporate ladder. You’re not, and your mentor will prove it to you by sharing a number of past experiences for you to learn from.
As you can see, having a mentor is an invaluable resource for your career. With a mentor, you’ll have a friend, coach, and connector all rolled up into one.
Sources Referenced
Jacox, Casey. “Three Reasons You Need A Mentor.” Forbes, 9 Jan. 2018, www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2018/01/09/three-reasons-you-need-a-mentor/#35a954581eeb.
Rampton, John. “10 Reasons Why a Mentor Is a Must.” Inc.com, 9 Jan. 2016, www.inc.com/john-rampton/10-reasons-why-a-mentor-is-a-must.html.
