Matthew
How to find a mentor in University?
Hi all.
Over the past year I have been reading books, watching youtube videos, and talking with various people on the topics of self-development, entrepreneurship, leadership, etc. However, I'm missing a mentor figure in my life. How do you recommend finding a mentor, whether it be a professor or general staff member, in university? What should my next step be?
Thank you all for the positivity so far. #leadership #advice #mentoring
7 answers
Wayne Fonville
Wayne’s Answer
Matthew, Ken and William have some great suggestions in their responses above. I would like to add a couple thoughts to this list. You ask about finding a Mentor. First I would like you to consider what you are looking for in a mentor. Is the search for a mentor just the result of reading and research so that you feel that you need one for success or would you really like some help with some aspect of your life or career? If this is just a check the box activity, then I would recommend waiting on trying to get one until you identify what you are actually looking for. You will get the most out of the mentor relationship if you have a specific goal in mind.
A mentor should be someone you trust and who has the characteristics or skills you hope to gain. Building a network of knowledgeable professionals, and getting to know them and their abilities will create a lot of mentor opportunities. You can start this network from the resources mentioned above but don't think you have to pick a single mentor. Very few people have all the characteristics you might be looking for during your career. Very few folks are fortunate enough to have a life long friend and mentor so don't expect that to happen (at least not immediately). Take your time to build relationships and your network. In that process you will find those folks who have the characteristics you deem valuable and want to emulate.
I wish you the best in your endeavors!
Wayne recommends the following next steps:
Wayne - Your answer is great. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with Matthew! At this moment there are more than 1k unanswered questions so I want to encourage you to keep going! So many students will benefit tremendously from hearing from you. Keep up the great work!
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Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Matthew!
A good source would be to go to the head of Alumni Relations at your school to seek out graduates who are doing what you think that you might want to do. Many alumni will be very willing to serve as a mentor if asked and many have indicated that to the alumni relations department. The advantage of a mentor who graduated from you school is that they can provide guidance from their own experiences as a student as well as their experiences in the work world following graduations.
Another good source would be from professional organizations that represent what you think that you might want to do as a career. There are many experienced people in those organizations who would welcome the opportunity to mentor a rising star, such as yourself.
Wael Al-Rihawi
Wael’s Answer
Why do you need one. Go out there and create your own story! When you come to a question that you are unsure of, do what you have been doing; research it and ask people.
William Hodes
William’s Answer
Another option is to talk to professors and explain to them that you are looking for advice. Don’t except them to meet with you for five hours a week but setting up weekly or bi-weekly meetings is a good way to build that relationship. Make sure to always come prepared with specific questions and have answers for those questions (or at least a way to show that you’ve given them some thought before hand). Most people reward effort. If you try to figure out things for yourself and go to them for that extra bit of help, most people will respect that.
Tonya Cosby
Tonya’s Answer
I agree with reaching out to your Alumni Relations to find graduates in your field of studies. Once you find a mentor, it is important you are open and receptive to feedback for your growth and advancement. This relationship should be built on trust. Ask questions and be willing to do the work to learn new things.
Frankie Pierce
Frankie’s Answer
Great question! My advice is to be fearless in choosing who your mentor is. Once you get to college you’ll quickly start to establish relationships with your professors and your advisor. My recommendation is to work closely with your advisor as they know the professors and can help get you introduced with someone who can help to guide and develop you!
Chelsea Cook
Chelsea’s Answer
Find someone (a professor or a professional) who is in a position that you would like to be in and/or understands what you want to do and ask if they would be willing to mentor you. I would suggest finding a mentor who may think differently than you do or has different strengths than you since that is likely to be a person who will really challenge you and help you develop further. You will typically be exposed to a variety of people through school, and you can also ask friends/family if they know of anyone who is doing what you're interested in and who can help guide you on your path.