Get ahead in life, find a mentor

Finding a mentor is not always easy. Read this to help you on your journey.

Your thoughts (19)

A mentor is a person who offers direction and advice to a less experienced person. This could be an older woman in a career you aspire to be in or someone closer to your own age that you go to when looking for advice. When looking for the right mentor, remember these dos and don’ts.

DO…

… Understand the kind of mentor you need It needs to be a person you can trust and who has achieved the kind of success – in their personal or work life – that you want. This way, their advice and guidance is coming from a place of experience.

… Start with people around you Often you already have a relationship with someone that you want to learn from, maybe a family friend, tutor or local businesswoman. Now you need to ask them to play a more formal role in your life.

… Take initiative If your potential mentor is someone you don’t already know, then write to them. Tell them why they would be the best mentor for you. If you don’t hear back immediately don’t lose hope, mentors can be busy! Follow up and let them know you’re still interested.

… Your research Ask about mentorship programs at your local community centre, college or schools. If you can’t find one, ask an adult in one of these places to guide you. If there are any non-governmental organisations in your area, they’re also a good place to start.

… Make the most of every second Time spent with your mentor should be fruitful. Try to schedule meetings at a time when they can give you their undivided attention, and make it a regular thing, like every few months. Before each meeting, prepare some questions, topics you’d like to discuss or ideas you want feedback on.

DON’T…

… Be egotistic To benefit from a mentor you have to accept suggestions and helpful criticism. Be open to learning from them and don’t let your ego get in the way.

… Take advantage If your mentor has certain contacts or is able to help you in any way, professionally or personally, they will offer this to you. Don’t try to take advantage by pushing them to go out of their way for you. And never use them as a reference without first asking their permission.

… Expect your mentor to save you At the end of the day, your mentor is not going to fix all your problems. Treat them as a friend, a confidant and a guide.

… Accept abuse A good mentor should never put you down or make you feel bad or useless in any way. They shouldn’t ask you to do anything you don’t want to or pressure you to make certain choices. You should feel safe, supported and comfortable in their presence.

… Feel obligated If you’re not happy, don’t feel like you need to continue spending time with a mentor. But try to be open to learning new things and always be hungry to learn – that’s when you’ll benefit the most!

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Your thoughts

Thanks for the advice

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey girl! This article was written because of you and we are glad you love it. Feel free to share it with your friends

Hi am new here hope i'm welcomed?

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Vstar! Welcome to GEM Nigeria. We hope you like the stories. You can also invite your friends here.

I dont think i can trust the people around me its like am living in a world full of beasts

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Vstar! We assume you have been disappointed a lot of times and we know that can affect how you trust people but you need to let it go. Yes, it is painful and it can hurt a lot but just let it go… Also, learn to trust again but be careful not to fully open up to people just like that. Like they say, slow and steady wins the race. We are sure there are still some trustworthy people out there that will love to help you. Always remember that Big Sister is here for you. We hope this helps.

I have a lesson teacher who i see as a mentor but what he study is not related mine

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Favi! A mentor does not necessarily be in your field of study. You just admire the way the person goes about his/her business. All you need to do is to imbibe what you like about your mentor in your own field of study and life in general. We hope this helps.

Thanks big sis for the advice

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey girl! This article was written because of you and we are glad you love it. Feel free to share it with your friends

Thanks so much for advise

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Gud one big sis but am new here hope am welcome

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Thanks big sis for the advice

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Is it really necessary to have a mentor?

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Goody! It is advisable to have one. A mentor helps to guide you on different areas in life. Because your mentor is much older, he/she may have experienced what you are finding difficult now and can easily advise you on what to do. Mentors are meant to make life easier for us. Before you choose a mentor, please read this article properly and follow the steps before you choose one. We hope this helps.

Thanks

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

I Am New Here Am I Welcome Big Sis Can A Child Have A mentor

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Why not

I'm so much inspired, and motivated.

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.