The work culture in the United States today continues to shift and evolve. One of the most vital components of that culture is mentorship—a valuable tool that can be utilized to elevate and advance the career paths of anyone at any stage in his or her career. Mentors can unlock many new doors and opportunities, as well as provide guidance, support and knowledge that can be utilized in current and future careers and life in general. One of the most important things about having a mentor is ensuring that you find the right one. Before you begin searching for the perfect mentor, here are three things to consider: 

Define your goals: It’s really important to get clear on both short and long term goals that you’re interested in achieving before selecting a mentor. This will help you get clarity on what qualities and experience you’ll want to look for. 

Research and network: Before doing an extensive search, lean into the network you have to determine if there is anyone that may align with the job title(s) you want. If you’re on LinkedIn (you should be!) you can search job titles or keywords to see which connections are a match. It’s always better to make a connection with someone who may already know your skills and work ethic. 

Prepare to ask: Once you’ve determined who you’d like to reach out to, it’s important to make sure your goals are clearly communicated, along with being upfront about your time commitment and what you’re willing to put into the mentorship. Clarity from the start will save lots of confusion from miscommunication later.

Remember, a mentorship should be a fun, informative option, not an obligation. Recognizing and respecting your own time and the time of someone else is critical. If they say no, thank them for their consideration. You never know how your paths may cross in the future, so it’s good to leave the door open on a positive note.

Written by Briana Dodson