Mentor = an experienced, trusted adviser; someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced person
I have never had a formal mentor. I’ve spent many years doing academic and professional research. I have had jobs that provided amazing professional development opportunities. I have attended many, many business events and specialized conferences. I have a host of professional colleagues and business contacts that I can “bounce ideas off of” or ask for advice in a certain area. I’ve been successful in many areas and learned A LOT by trial and error. I believe that some of the things I’ve learned by trial and error could have been sidestepped if I had a formal mentor.
Here Are 10 Important Benefits of Having a Mentor:
1. Learn inside information about your industry
2. Someone to hold you accountable and challenge you to leave your comfort zone
3. Opportunity to receive valuable feedback on your work
4. Learn about new job opportunities
5. Help you define your career goals
6. Your personal supporter and cheerleader
7. Access to mentor’s professional network
8. Learn about practical, real-world experiences
9. Learn about the skills necessary to succeed in your profession
10. Help you avoid major career mishaps
Have you established formal mentor relationships? How has your mentor helped enhance your career?
Nicki Sanders is an experienced trainer, group facilitator, and program manager. She has packaged her Masters of Social Work degree and over 15 years of work experience into Packaged For Success, a training and professional development company. Packaged For Success provides career development coaching to college students and job seekers. Packaged For Success also offers communication and productivity improvement training for employees and supervisors as well as provides consultation on building sustainable, impactful, socially responsible corporate programs.
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