A mentor can help you at any stage of your career by giving advice that fits your goals. They can support your growth, teach you new skills and guide you through successes and challenges at work. Mentors can also help you figure out your career direction and how to take the next step.  

Even though finding a good mentor is important, it is not always clear how to do it. It can be especially hard if you are new to a job or trying to enter a new industry. Ahead, we will share tips on how to find the right mentor for you and how to build a strong and successful mentorship relationship.

1. Identifying Your Mentorship and Career Goals

Mentorships can help you grow in your chosen field. But before finding a mentor who is a good fit, it is important to reflect on and identify your short- and long-term goals. Once you have a clear sense of your goals, you will be better prepared to find a mentor who suits your needs. With those goals in mind, a mentor can offer career-aligned advice and feedback. They can also suggest specific recommendations, highlight areas for improvement and help you chart a path toward achieving your goals.

If you are unsure how to outline and set your goals, you can start with SMART goals — specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. As you create your goals, try to keep them practical and attainable. It may also help to create a realistic timeline for yourself and schedule regular check-ins with your mentor to track your progress.

2. Finding and Choosing the Right Mentor 

Start by looking at your current network, both at work and on platforms like LinkedIn. You can also attend industry or networking events to connect with more people. On LinkedIn, try searching for senior-level professionals in your field who might be open to mentoring. Your company may also have a mentorship program that can match you with someone who fits your career goals. Depending on what you are looking for, even a peer could be a good mentor for you. 

3. Setting Up the First Meeting and Going From There

Once you have found people who might be a good mentor match, think about how you can build a connection with them. If you already know them or work at the same company, you can talk to them directly and share your interest in having them as your mentor. 

If you have not met them yet, start by sending a message through email or LinkedIn to introduce yourself. Make sure to explain your goals before your first meeting. After you meet, you can determine if they are a good fit and talk about how you want to move forward with the mentorship. 

The Key to a Successful Mentorship Relationship

While there are many tips for ensuring a successful mentorship relationship, it is key to establish mutual trust between a mentor and mentee. That requires both individuals to have realistic expectations.

Robert F. Smith and Mentorship

Getting advice and guidance from a mentor can make a big difference in someone’s life, both at work and in their personal growth. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert F. Smith knows how critical a mentor can be. He credits much of his success to the mentors he had during his career, including Vic Hauser, who guided him during his internship at Bell Labs. Hauser taught him the value of “the joy of figuring things out” and helped him realize his ability to solve complex problems.

To pay it forward, Smith has supported the next generation of students and professionals by creating academic and career opportunities for them. In the last few years, Smith gifted a collective $35 million to his undergrad alma mater, Cornell University College of Engineering.

A significant portion of his gifts were used to establish three funds, including the Robert F. Smith Graduate Fellowship Fund. This fund is dedicated to financing student participation in conferences, professional development training, mentorship and employment opportunities.

Stay up to date with the latest from Smith and learn about the importance of mentorship by following him on LinkedIn.