Mentoring is a popular topic among professionals in the world of careers now, and it is more important now than ever to connect and network with other professionals. The landscape of work is changing, and the job market is getting more rigid with a more educated Canadian workforce than ever.
Mentoring can shape your career future – for both mentors and mentees – increase confidence and create connections. Mentoring benefits both parties. Mentees get insight into different career options, learn how to become professionals, and get awareness on how to handle challenges they may face. Mentors gain different perspectives from the mentee and learn from the experience; they also get a chance to give back to the community in the same manner that others have helped them to improve their careers at the beginning.
How to find a mentor
Finding a mentor is easier than you might think. A mentor is not a coach, but rather someone who walks alongside you and shares their experience and ideas with the mentee. There are various online mentoring programs you can join through newcomer organizations, colleges and universities, alumni organizations, professional associations, chambers of commerce, and an organization called Ten Thousand Coffees. This list is not exhaustive, but these are a few ways you can find formal mentoring programs that are often looking for both mentors and mentees for their program to be matched. You can also develop relationships with people in your professional circle that can often lead to mentoring relationships. These relationships usually develop over time.
How mentoring can improve your career potential
Mentoring can improve your career prospects by learning different insights, expanding your professional network, and learning about programs that exist that can help you improve your skills. Having the opportunity to walk alongside someone who was once an entry-level professional also allows you to understand that you are not alone in the challenges you are facing in getting your career going. Everyone faces challenges when they are getting their career going; the challenges can differ based on where you are geographically located, how much experience/education you have, and personal circumstances. Working with a mentor can greatly help you to overcome challenges that you face, as you will have another individual to connect with.
Mentoring is not something that everyone takes advantage of early in their careers, during a career pivot later in their careers, or when they relocate from a different city/country. Reaching out to the local organizations listed above can help you find mentors or find an opportunity to give back and become a mentor.
Mentoring builds communities, relationships, and connections.
Jennifer Bouley is a Career Development Practitioner located in St Stephen. She has a passion for helping others find wellness in their careers, while finding fulfilling jobs. Jennifer can be reached at blissplusyou@gmail.com.
