How can different types of mentors enhance your career?
While the vast majority of people that I work with in my role as a career strategist know that mentors can provide valuable support and inspiration, few comprehend the true magnitude of mentorship. As a result, they miss out on many mentor-related benefits and opportunities. To make the most of your mentor experiences, it is critical to engage different types of mentors throughout your career in order to gain diverse and relevant skills, knowledge, and wisdom. Learn how traditional, peer, specialty, and reverse mentors can enhance your career.
When you mention the word mentor, most people think of what is commonly termed a traditional mentor. Traditional mentors provide overall career guidance, advice, and development opportunities. In many cases, they are experienced professionals that work in field or occupation that is related to the mentee’s career interests. How can you find a traditional mentor? Consider your family and friends network, look within your company or industry, or do a search on LinkedIn. Realize that traditional mentors serve as resources in terms of advice and knowledge, but can also connect you to other individuals and organizations that may be able to provide additional assistance.
A peer mentor is a co-worker, friend, or acquaintance who may belong to your same age, social, or work group that has gone through a specific or shared experience. Peer mentors can provide advice and guidance that is particularly relevant, as their experience is recent and they can relate to you as a peer. A peer mentor may be someone who is following a similar career path, or is an alumnus of your university that recently navigated graduation and his transition into independence and the world of work.
Are you seeking information and guidance related to a particular skill or topic? If so, consider engaging a specialty mentor. Specialty mentors, who are experts in a job or subject that interests you, can teach you specific content. They can be especially helpful when you are anticipating a career transition, or pursuing professional development opportunities in order to qualify for a new job or promotion.
Take a traditional mentor relationship, and then flip it around. That’s a reverse mentor! Reverse mentorship happens when a more experienced or mature professional engages a developing or less experienced professional to gain new skills or wisdom. We had a reverse mentor program when I worked at one of my former places of employment. Reverse mentors engaged their mentees in the areas of technology, social media, and emerging trends. We can all learn something from each other. New professionals bring a unique perspective to a variety of subjects that affect the world of work. What can a reverse mentor teach you? Give it a try – you just might be surprised!
What is the best way to engage a mentor? Just ask! You should provide a little bit of information about your background, what you want to learn, why you are reaching out to that individual, and how you think that person can help you. Also consider what you have to offer, and how you can return the favor. Mentor relationships are a form of networking, which is a two-way street. The more you give, the more you get. Always present yourself in a professional manner, and understand that the main objective of a mentor relationship is to share knowledge. Look for the lessons, for they can help your career in so many ways!
