Just a personal observation, I don't think we take advantage of the fact that we can come up to a person and ask for his or her professional advice over coffee, lunch, etc.
You see, if you want to be successful in your career, an invaluable mentor can be a great support. Whether you're looking for advice on how to become more strategic, or just need someone to bounce ideas off of, a mentor can help take the pressure off, and help build your skills in the process.
Now, what are the qualities that make a good mentor?
You don't have to be the same age, ethnicity, department, gender, etc. Being vastly different is even encouraged as it helps you become aware of different perspectives.
Be sure that the person you choose will challenge and push you in ways that can help shape your career path and provide incredible opportunities for self-improvement.
Your mentor is someone you should enjoy spending time with. He or she can be a real source of support, and can help you reach your goals.
You want a mentor with enough experience to help you navigate through any challenges you’re facing, but that doesn’t always mean someone with the most years of work on their resume.
More importantly, you want a mentor who has the industry knowledge, but also connects with you on a personal level — that means someone who understands what you’re facing and can advise you on what steps to take next.
You will be sharing confidential information and resources with your mentor. This can be a scary thought, but keep in mind that the most successful relationships are built on trust.
Make sure to stay open in your communication style and don't be afraid to ask questions when you are unsure about something. If you can establish this trust from the start, your mentor will be more likely to help you troubleshoot problems.
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