How a Mentor Can Help Boost Your Career

Are you unsure where your career is heading? Perhaps you feel stuck in a rut and ready for something new? In these situations, it can be hard to know what to do and where to turn for help – and that’s where a mentor comes in. Whatever your aspirations, enlisting the help of a trusted, dedicated mentor can be of huge benefit to your career. That’s why, in this guide, we’re exploring what mentoring entails, how it can benefit you, and ways to find a mentor who aligns with your career goals and ambitions for the future.

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a professional or personal relationship between two or more people, in which a mentor shares their knowledge, experience and expertise. It’s used in all sorts of different ways depending on the needs of the individual, from careers advice to health and wellbeing.

In a professional, careers-driven capacity, a mentor is someone who has the attributes and knowledge required to help a less experienced individual achieve their career aspirations. After determining their goals for the future, a mentor will provide ongoing guidance and support, using their experience to define different career paths and set their mentee on the right track.

It’s important to remember that careers mentoring can often come under different guises, including:

Careers coach – a dedicated careers coach can be an invaluable partner for those hoping to climb the ladder within their industry. Given that they’re qualified to offer careers advice, coaches can provide actionable guidance and on-demand support – whatever stage you’re at with your career.

The main difference between a mentor and a careers coach is that the latter is usually paid for their services, while mentorship is undertaken on a voluntary basis. This isn’t hard and fast, however, and there are lots of instances where career coaches offer their services pro bono, or work with local charities to offer support to those looking for career guidance.

Trainers – trainers are similar to careers coaches in that they offer expert knowledge and advice for a fee. Where they differ, however, is in the role-specific training they can offer to prospective candidates in particular industries.

Say, for example, you were hoping to land your dream job in accounting; a careers trainer could provide practical guidance to help you prepare for the role and ace the interview process.

Voluntary mentors – unlike paid-for careers coaches and trainers, true mentors operate on a voluntary basis. Typically, they’re someone slightly senior with more years of experience in a particular industry – whether that’s a friend, family member, or a workplace supervisor.

This type of mentorship usually works on a two-way basis. Firstly, the mentee benefits from the knowledge and experience offered by their selected mentor. They, on the other hand, gain valuable experience in leadership, supervision and coaching, which could stand to help them reach the next rung of the ladder in their own career.

How a Mentor Can Benefit Your Career

No matter what stage of your career, a mentor can be hugely beneficial, offering guidance and support to keep your ambitions on track.

Key Benefits:

Expert, first-hand advice – the advice mentors can offer on a specific subject can mark a major turning point in your career.
Refine and develop your career goals – a mentor can help you decide what the next step on your career path should be.
Improve your communication – liaising with a mentor can be of huge benefit to developing soft skills, like communication.
Gain new perspectives – a mentor may be able to shine a light on new opportunities or potential pitfalls.
Take your career further – a mentor can help steer you towards new pathways and options.
Expand your professional network – working with a mentor means having the opportunity to meet new people who may be of influence down the road.

Tips on How to Find a Good Mentor

Here, we offer some practical tips and things to consider when it comes to assigning yourself a trusted, reliable mentor.

Start by identifying your needs – what do you hope to gain from enlisting the help of a mentor?
Know where to go for mentorship help – there are lots of places you can seek out willing mentors.
Request mentorship the right way – prepare an elevator pitch and be prepared to speak them through exactly what you hope to gain from their expertise.
Seek out business mentorship online – platforms such as LinkedIn can help you connect with business mentors, coaches, and trainers.