Tips to Find a Career Mentor

 If you're looking for a rewarding, career-long learning experience, you may have considered using an online mentorship program as a way to find a rewarding direction in life. Mentorship is defined in the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition as "a guiding force or authority, especially of a professional nature, used for guidance." If you're seeking a rewarding and career-long learning experience, an online mentorship can be a great way to get there. There are many ways you can obtain an online mentorship.

One way is to enroll in a mentorship program where you will be assigned a mentor - typically an online expert in your field of interest. They will be there to work with you and guide you in your chosen career.Become an online mentor can be great if you're looking to change professions, since a mentor will be where you need to turn when you're ready to make that transition. In popular jargon, this individual is often known as a professional mentor: a guiding voice who can help guide you through your chosen career path and ultimately reach your desired career goal.

Mentors come from varied backgrounds. You may have one mentor in the field of business, another in the field of education, yet another in the field of healthcare. These mentors have all discovered an aspect of their profession (e.g., a creative way of doing things, a different method of communicating) that you can bring to your own profession. For example, if you have a knack for writing, you may want to look for a business mentor who writes regularly and is well-read in the world of publishing. Or, if you have an eye for art, you might seek out an art mentor who's an artist or works in the industry.

The first step you need to take if you are serious about find a career mentor is to determine which career path you'd like to pursue. Do you have a calling that compels you to take action? Are you interested in a specific type of learning, such as teaching or mentoring? Perhaps you have an idea for a business-to-business product or service. Whatever it is, you should begin searching for potential mentors who might share some of your interests or are themselves interested in the area in which you are considering a profession change.

Once you have decided on a career path, begin looking for a mentor by visiting online websites that specialize in careers and career mentors. Most sites offer profiles or reviews of professionals in your desired field. Look for people with whom you might identify with. For instance, if you are interested in healthcare, look for a site that has a section devoted to healthcare professionals. Look for people with credentials similar to yours. If possible, consider asking potential mentors to provide you with a short personal statement.

The second step in your search for a career mentor is to set up one-on-one meetings with prospective mentors. While you can always send a personal resume or a cover letter to a potential mentor, this does not guarantee success. Your one-on-one meetings will allow you to get an in-person look at the work habits, work style, and personal habits of potential mentors. You will also be able to ask pointed questions that will allow you to determine whether one mentor is truly right for you or if their preferences may not be applicable to you.

Finally, you should develop a relationship with potential mentors. Even if you do not have a mentorship relationship with one professional today, you could still cultivate a relationship with several professionals over the course of your career. In addition to having a professional contact, you should also consider having a personal relationship with the professionals you are considering mentoring. While it is not necessary to spend each day with every potential mentor, you could spend one or two days with them each quarter or annually. By developing an ongoing relationship with a professional who you believe could help you achieve your goals, you will develop a special bond with that individual that could help guide your career.

In summary, by following the steps outlined above, you will be well on your way to finding a rewarding career mentor that could help you achieve your goals. The process will begin with the selection of a few professionals who you wish to have as a personal mentor. Next, you will develop a personal relationship with a few of those professionals. Finally, you will develop a relationship with a number of mentors over the course of your career. By staying dedicated to your efforts and working diligently to pursue your goals, you will find a mentor that is right for you.