One thing many leaders have in common isn’t so common among the rest of us: they all have a mentor. From today’s current success stories back to philosophers like Aristotle and Plato, each have utilized having a mentor for making career moves.
Mentors can assist you through the process of a career change, while standing up for you when you are up for promotion, listen when you have grievances or questions about your current position or support you when you want to make a career move. Kaitlin Madden of CareerBuilder.com has put together five ways to find a mentor and get your career moving.
- “Mentors” and “role models” are different: you can look up to role models, but mentors provide hands on assistance and advice in your career.
- Don’t choose your boss: conflict of interest can discourage open communication about your current position and career goals (especially if they include changing careers).
- Look for someone in your field: think networking! Someone in your field can not only give you relevant advice and know what you’re talking about; they might know someone who knows someone where you would be a perfect employee.
- Test the waters: if you have someone in mind, ask them something about your career. If they respond with enthusiasm, you may have found your winner. If not, keep looking.
- Don’t be afraid to ask: once you have found the person you would like to be your mentor, ask them to be! If they say no, don’t take it personally, mentoring is a huge commitment and they may not feel they are up to the task.