2 answers
Vera
Student
Alaska, MI
1
Question
Asked
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what is the best way to approach a mentor?
i want a better understanding
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2 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Vera, reaching out to a mentor is a key move in growing professionally. Mentors offer guidance, support, and useful insights to help steer your career. To start a mentorship, you should be thoughtful, respectful, and sincere in your communication.
First, find potential mentors who have the skills, experience, and values that match your goals. Look for successful people in your field who are open to sharing their knowledge. This might be someone you look up to at work, in professional groups, or even a past student from your school.
After finding potential mentors, learn about their background, achievements, and areas of expertise. This shows your real interest and dedication to the mentorship. When you reach out, make your message personal and explain why you respect their work and how you think their guidance could help you professionally.
When you first contact them, respect their time and schedule. Think about sending a short, well-written email or LinkedIn message introducing yourself, praising their work, and explaining why you want to start a mentorship. Clearly explain your goals and what you want to get from the mentorship, while also recognizing their expertise and what they can bring to the relationship.
It's important to see the mentorship as a two-way street, not just a one-way deal. Show real excitement for learning from their experiences and views, but also be ready to add to the relationship by actively listening, asking good questions, and using their advice and feedback.
Also, be open to the mentor's preferences and limits about how often to communicate, in what way, and what to talk about. Respect their time and be flexible in setting up meetings or chats based on when they're available.
Lastly, remember that building a mentorship relationship takes time and work. Be patient, consistent, and active in building the relationship, whether that means regular check-ins, asking for advice on specific problems, or working together on projects or tasks. By showing your desire to learn and grow, and also showing thanks and appreciation for their guidance, you can create a valuable and rewarding mentorship that helps both you and your mentor.
First, find potential mentors who have the skills, experience, and values that match your goals. Look for successful people in your field who are open to sharing their knowledge. This might be someone you look up to at work, in professional groups, or even a past student from your school.
After finding potential mentors, learn about their background, achievements, and areas of expertise. This shows your real interest and dedication to the mentorship. When you reach out, make your message personal and explain why you respect their work and how you think their guidance could help you professionally.
When you first contact them, respect their time and schedule. Think about sending a short, well-written email or LinkedIn message introducing yourself, praising their work, and explaining why you want to start a mentorship. Clearly explain your goals and what you want to get from the mentorship, while also recognizing their expertise and what they can bring to the relationship.
It's important to see the mentorship as a two-way street, not just a one-way deal. Show real excitement for learning from their experiences and views, but also be ready to add to the relationship by actively listening, asking good questions, and using their advice and feedback.
Also, be open to the mentor's preferences and limits about how often to communicate, in what way, and what to talk about. Respect their time and be flexible in setting up meetings or chats based on when they're available.
Lastly, remember that building a mentorship relationship takes time and work. Be patient, consistent, and active in building the relationship, whether that means regular check-ins, asking for advice on specific problems, or working together on projects or tasks. By showing your desire to learn and grow, and also showing thanks and appreciation for their guidance, you can create a valuable and rewarding mentorship that helps both you and your mentor.
Tahir Mehmood
IT Manager
29
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Tahir’s Answer
Hello,
Reaching out to your mentor is a good way to be successful like him or her. You should follow his or her words, statements, and quotes. Therefore, read as much as you can so the output will be great.
Reaching out to your mentor is a good way to be successful like him or her. You should follow his or her words, statements, and quotes. Therefore, read as much as you can so the output will be great.