Building Rewarding Mentoring Relationships
Having a great mentor can have a powerful impact on your career trajectory. Today, I want to shed light on this strategy that is often talked about but not with a lot of information related to the strategy behind mentorship relationships. So, let’s jump right into it.
Benefits of Mentorship
Mentoring can help you access the support and guidance you need for career success. This includes opportunities through your mentor’s network. In my ebook, Taking Charge: A Career Guide for Graduate Students, I share that the majority of job opportunities are never posted. About sixty percent of job opportunities are considered part of the “hidden market”. Developing relationships with mentors who know you well and understand your goals allows you to tap into their network and realize your career goals.
Finding A Mentor
You have multiple options when searching for a mentor. Consider folks you have an existing relationship with, like a manager or another person in a leadership position. You can also consider reaching out to someone that you don't know but admire from afar.
Taking Charge as a Mentee
As the mentee, it’s important for you to be really clear about what you want personally and professionally. This clarity will help you drive the success of your mentoring relationships. Once your mentor knows what you desire, they can then shift into gear to see how they can best support you to realize your goal.
Approaching Mentorship as a Two-Way Street
Try reframing mentorship as a mutually beneficial relationship. As a grad student, you may be feeling like your mentor should just be pouring into you. But you have something valuable to offer your mentors as well. Mentorship should be approached as a two-way street/relationship. Both sides can learn, find joy, and grow through the relationship.
The other piece to being strategic about mentorship relationships management is finding ways to stay connected with your mentors. There are several benefits to staying in touch with your mentor including keeping them abreast on what is going on in your world. Staying in touch also helps you to not only reach out when you need something. Here are are a few ways to stay
Remember Their Birthday
An easy way to stay in touch with your mentors is remembering their birthday. When you reach out, you're not asking for anything. You're just simply recognizing them and their special occasion.
2. Acknowledge Their Achievements
Another similar strategy involves reaching out when something significant happens in their world. You’ve probably recently found out about a promotion, a new publication, or an award that they have received. Take the time to congratulate them.
3. Share Significant Updates
Try sharing periodic updates with your mentors. You could let them know about any new speaking engagements, projects, publications, and other successes you recently achieved. It may feel weird at first. But if you are engaging with mentors who genuinely care about you, sharing exciting updates is a great way to stay in touch and keep them in the know. You never know how those updates can lead to referrals or further opportunities for you.
4. Request Their Advice
Are you confused about a big decision that you need to make in your life? Or maybe you’re having some challenges that you need support figuring out. By asking for advice, your mentor will feel appreciated and have a way to focus their support for you.
5. Ask for Help
Maybe you want a new opportunity or an introduction to someone within your mentor’s network. Whatever the case is, you’re asking for help to accomplish a specific goal that requires action on their end. Reaching out for help is a way of keeping in touch and getting closer to the goals that you have for yourself.
What are some other strategies you have used to stay in touch with mentors? Let me know in the comments section below.
Want more career advice, get a copy of my ebook Taking Charge: A Career Guide for Graduate Student.
