AdaMarie Expert Ivy Walker: Why You Need a Mentor and How to Find One
Starting a career in STEM can be both exhilarating and challenging. Getting a mentor is a great way to navigate the challenges and set yourself up for long-term success.
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is an advisor and sounding board who can provide guidance, support, and wisdom drawn from their own experiences. They can provide insight on career pathways, guidance when faced with workplace challenges, and feedback on improving performance. Because a mentor is a resource who has been where you are now, they can help you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your opportunities.
How a Mentor Can Improve Your Career Trajectory
The impact of having a mentor can be profound. Here are a few ways in which having a mentor can benefit you:
Advice: A mentor can provide insights and advice on everything from technical skills to navigating workplace dynamics. They can act as a sounding board, which can be incredibly valuable as you hone and develop your business acumen and professional decision-making skills.
Encouragement: The underrepresentation of women in STEM can make the workplace feel intimidating for the few there. A mentor can encourage you to assert yourself and take the kind of risks that will help advance your career.
Career Planning: While your day-to-day work is important, having a long-term career strategy is crucial. Working with a mentor can help you design your career path to ensure you meet your goals.
How to Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor takes a bit of time and effort, but it's an essential step in your career development. Here are specific steps you can take to identify and connect with a mentor in STEM:
Look Within Your Network: Start by looking at your existing network. Is there someone you admire in your workplace, university, or professional organizations? The best mentors are often people you already know, even if only in passing. Consider reaching out to someone you've met at a conference, a senior colleague, or a professor who has inspired you.
Leverage Professional Organizations: Some professional organizations in STEM offer formal mentoring programs. The Society of Women Engineers' mentoring program is one such example. This program connects young women with experienced professionals. You can learn more about it here: https://swe.org/membership/mentoring/.
Attend Networking Events and Conferences: Conferences and other events can be fertile hunting grounds for meeting potential mentors. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to speakers or panelists. Express your interest in their work and ask if they would be open to discussing their career path with you over coffee or a virtual meeting.
Utilize Online Platforms: Don't overlook the value of a platform like LinkedIn when it comes to identifying potential mentors. Search for and reach out to professionals in your field. You might be pleasantly surprised by how many people are willing to chat with you.
Building and Nurturing the Mentor Relationship
Once you've identified and connected with a mentor, you'll want to build and nurture that relationship. Here's how:
Be Proactive: You are primarily responsible for driving the mentor-mentee relationship. Proactively manage the relationship. Take charge of setting meetings and following up on any action items you agree to. Establish a regular cadence for meetings and check-ins. This can help keep the relationship strong.
Set Clear Expectations: Establishing clear expectations for the relationship from the outset is essential. Discuss what you hope to achieve and how often you'd like to meet. Agreeing on these things upfront will ensure that you and your mentor are on the same page.
Respect Their Time: Everyone's calendar is packed these days. Respect the time your mentor sets aside for you by preparing for meetings and developing specific topics to discuss. And don't forget to express your gratitude for their time and effort.
Give Yourself a Boost
Having a mentor can be transformative for your career. Getting clear about what you need, actively seeking a mentor, and nurturing the relationship can ultimately yield a vital boost.