POPSUGAR

Unlock the Secrets to Landing a New Mentor

Jul 14 2017 - 1:05pm

When you're starting out in the working world (or switching to a new career), the value of having a mentor cannot be overstated. Few people become successful without any support from anyone, and a more seasoned professional in your field can help you advocate for yourself, navigate situations you've never encountered, and make the right decisions for advancing your position.

Who should be my mentor?

In her book Power Your Happy [1], POPSUGAR founder and editor-in-chief Lisa Sugar suggests that your mentor could be your boss, "or it might be another higher-up in your department who understands you and supports you. Other people find mentors in family friends, former professors, or older, wiser women who don't even work in their industry."

How should I reach out to a possible mentor?

How do you contact a possible mentor without being annoying? It can feel intimidating, but the best way to get in touch is by sending a polite and friendly email. Hey, the worst that can happen is that nobody writes you back. Yet, as Lisa puts it, "there is a right way and wrong way to reach out to busy people, and your primary goal should be to not waste a second of anyone's time. Be friendly yet professional, check for errors before you hit SEND, be direct about what you're asking, and don't ramble."

What should I say?

According to Mandy Harris [2], POPSUGAR's managing editor (and a superb boss lady [3] and mentor herself), here are the guidelines to keep in mind:


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.com/money/How-Get-Mentor-42594479