Graduation is both a beginning and an ending. It’s a time packed with excitement and hope for the future. The problem is that most graduates have no idea what to do with their professional journey once they are finally done with school. Not everyone lands their dream position right out of university or TAFE and it takes some work to get into your chosen industry.
If you are looking to grow in your career, a mentor is going to help you to reach new heights – especially if you are looking for work.
As part of our series, we’re going to talk you through how to find a mentor and why having this source of support is so important for your career.
Why You Need a Mentor
If you are looking for an invaluable resource in your professional journey, especially when you’re taking the first few steps in your career, then choosing a mentor is a smart step to take. They can provide personalised career support, advice when you’re faced with challenges or big decisions, and can even help you to get a foot in the door to new opportunities.
A great mentor can be the reliable source you need for a letter of recommendation one day, too. With their help, you’ll gain feedback on areas in which you can improve, as well as insights into your current strengths.
They are an important connection to your future and when you need support to identify key opportunities and build your skills, your mentor is going to be the helping hand you need.
Determine Your Goals
The first step to finding a mentor is knowing what you want and need from this person. For example, if you have ideas about which career you want to head into, then it makes sense to find a guide who is experienced in this area.
Determining your goals before you search for a mentor is going to help you to figure out the best place to find one, too. What are your objectives now you’ve graduated? Writing a list of these will help you to narrow down where you should look.
If you’re looking to develop specific skills and enhance the knowledge you gained during your degree or certification, you might think about looking for mentors in the same field who possess the skills you want to grow. They’ll be able to answer your questions, offer you pathways for success and offer you the personalised support you need for the industry.
Look at Your Personal Network
The first place to look when you are seeking the help of a mentor is within your current circle. Speaking to family and friends, you might find someone with the skills you’re seeking and if not, they may know someone and make recommendations. You’d often be surprised at the people they have connections to that could help.
You can also branch out from family and friends and ask professional associations, your workplace, your university connections and more. Your personal network is likely to have a bigger reach than you think!
Reach Out to Professional Connections
As a graduate, you may have a range of connections you haven’t considered before. Your educational institution might offer a mentorship service to recent graduates, or you could check out the alumni listings to see whether there is someone who is on the same career path and can assist you.
You might even find that local industry groups such as young professionals clubs run by your local council or even Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a non-profit training and leadership organisation that focuses on leadership development and communication. It could be a good place to get started in looking for a mentor.
Utilise Social Media
Another great way to find a mentor is by using social media platforms. LinkedIn is a great space to network and find someone who would be a good fit. It’s a place where people highlight their professional achievements and you’ll be able to reach out to them to be your mentor.
Building a relationship with someone is important before you jump in and ask them to mentor you, so do your due diligence and spend some time on this first. If you joined groups on Instagram and Facebook while you were studying, put a post in those too. You can reach out and let people know you are seeking guidance in your chosen profession and others will be able to contact you and point you in the right direction.
Tips for Approaching a Potential Mentor
Once you have a specific person in mind to be your guide, the next step is to ask. We always recommend meeting with your potential mentor face-to-face rather than over email if possible. An open conversation – with coffee on order – will give you a chance to ask questions and discuss your goals.
During the conversation, make sure that you tell them why you chose them in the first place. You could talk about how much you value their expertise or which of their accomplishments you aspire to in your own career. You should also describe what kind of support you are looking for – is it general advice and a listening ear, or are you looking for someone to help you develop specific skills?
Lastly, give them the time to decide. Mentoring can be a big commitment, so it’s important not to put the person on the spot. Explain that you would like to catch up again in a few days and this will help them to figure out whether they can be the effective mentor that you need.
Once you have formed a relationship with your new mentor it’s important for you to maintain it over the long term. Whether you do this with a weekly check-in or a monthly coffee is up to you both to decide, but be clear about your expectations on communication.
Summary
Finding the right mentor can take some time, but it’s worth it to have this trusted support at your side as you venture into the world of work post-graduation.
At First People Recruitment Solutions, we specialise in Indigenous and non-Indigenous recruitment across Australia. Our team works with graduates regularly and we know how much of a minefield it can be to find the right role when you’re stepping into the real world. If you need support in finding a role or want some guidance to find a mentor in your field, reach out to us today.
