Whether you’re a mid-career attorney or an unemployed recent graduate,
having a mentor can be just what you need to take your career to the next
level. But just how do you go
about finding a mentor that’s a good fit for your personality, needs and career
goals? Let’s take a look at a few
simple steps:
1. The first step
to finding a mentor is assessing the reasons why you need one. Do you want to get a promotion at your
firm? Want to change
industries? Do you need help
improving on an area of weakness? Whatever your needs are write them down and
be honest and clear with yourself.
2. The next step
to finding a mentor is identifying successful individuals who you believe could
give you the guidance you need.
While it’s not a crime to list the most rich and famous individuals that
you can think of, it may not be very practical. When identifying potential mentors start with those closest
to you such as family, friends and local business men/women and community
leaders.
3. The third step
to finding a mentor is making contact.
You may do this online or offline; but whatever you do try to keep it
simple and avoid taking up too much of your potential mentor’s time. For example, you may want to start off
by sending an email asking them if they have 15 minutes to talk on the
phone. Or, you may want to ask
them to answer a few questions via email or even on an online social
network. Your initial meeting with
your mentor doesn’t have to be formal and you don’t need to come right out and
ask them to be your mentor. Just
start off with a simple question and then take small steps to develop the
relationship. If you find that you’re a good fit for them, then you can ask
them to be your mentor.