BY STEVEN KASZAB
The beginning of your career is both thrilling and frightening. Starting anything new is enticing, but uncertainty of how you will do or how your career will unfold is also daunting.
Whether you have gotten involved in a new career, a new hobby, woodworking, gardening or in fact knitting, finding a mentor, someone experienced and trusted can make the transition more relaxing and rewarding.
Finding a mentor is the first step in establishing a mentor-mentee relationship. Knowing yourself and your environment is essential, knowing what you wish to achieve is paramount. A possible plan can be of great assistance to your progress. Consider an identity-based mentor, especially if you need to talk about issues you are facing as an underrepresented person in your profession or field.
A mentor can be a family member, a friend, teacher, fellow employee or any other professional. Perhaps it is a person you already trust, who you go to with questions. Asking a person of trust, or an organization that can lead you to an accepted mentor will help. Remember a mentor is a guide, not a stepping-stone. Advice, leadership and enthusiastic direction are mentors’ tools.
Being up front, and specific about your needs will help develop this relationship. Such a relationship is very much like an agreed upon bargain between two people. Keep up your end of the bargain. Communication has been and will always be key to the relationship. Sharing your goals with your mentor will keep both of you on track. Mentor’s can approach their place in the relationship in many different ways; possibly giving tasks that might help in your progress towards achieving your goals.
Be prepared for criticism. I know we don’t like to be criticized, but an objective opinion of us, the way we do things, and how we think is essential. An open mind, with an accepting attitude will allow our mentor to feel comfortable in their methods and approach to mentoring us.
Mentoring someone is a demanding responsibility, requiring effort and organization. It can have big payoffs for everyone involved. A mentee must not be afraid to put themselves out there, obtaining as much knowledge and experience as possible. Learning valuable lessons and skills from someone you admire and who inspires you is what it is all about.
Soldiers, police, fire fighters, doctors, nurses, teachers, farmers, lumberjacks, miners and students all over this globe need, use and become mentors.
What is the best way of thanking your mentor? Become a mentor yourself, passing onto someone else all the knowledge gained from your past experience.
