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Mentorship September 12, 2017
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself."
Photo via ShutterstockEveryone’s had some sort of a mentor in their life. Whether they come in the form of coaches, teachers or parents, they’ve all shaped our lives and looked out for our well-being.
Mentors help us achieve personal and professional success. In fact, a study from the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who are mentored receive higher compensation, better promotions and increased job satisfaction.
But if you’re still not convinced, here are five reasons you should prioritize looking for a mentor.
Usually mentors are people who are currently working in the industry. They have a lot of knowledge and want to pass it down to other motivated people.
Potential mentors have been where you are, have made mistakes and have grown from them. A mentor uses their past experiences as a way to help people advance faster than they would on their own.
If you’re looking for something like this, ENTITY provides young women with the opportunity for you to get a wholesome education on the important aspects of digital media publishing. Through our ENTITY Academy program, mentees are provided with courses, hands-on experience working for a rapidly growing magazine and access to inspirational women who are at the top of their game in their respective industries.
Whether it’s positive or negative, mentors always give it to you straight. They want you to succeed and in order for you to do that, they need to be completely honest. So instead of taking it as an insult, use it as advice to help you improve.
And in order to get the most of that criticism, ask questions. Make sure you’re doing just as much work as your mentor is. Ask how you can improve and, if need be, ask them to help you draft an action plan with attainable goals.
What you bring to the table is just as valuable as the importance of mentors. So be driven and involved in your personal and professional growth.
Mentoring shouldn’t be all about work, it’s should also be about the close bonds and friendships you create. Although your relationships should always be professional, don’t think that it’s wrong to get close to your mentor. It’s okay to grab lunch or dinner to catch up and to say thank you.
In addition, the relationship you create with your mentor can also open up relationships with other talent in the industry. Your mentor can provide you the opportunity to attend events, network and introduce yourself to many people who could also help you attain your career goals.
Good mentors will have the ability to bring you out of your shell. They will expose you to things you never thought you’d be doing. They will encourage you and push you toward improving your mindset, your skills and your professionalism.
And once you try something out of your comfort zone, it will become easier as time passes by. If you continue to put yourself out there, no one will be able to stop you. Seriously.
With all the time and effort mentors put towards your career and success, you should put the same effort in showing appreciation. Ask yourself: What can you do for our mentor? How can you help their growth and success? How can you enrich their life in the same way they have yours?
One of the best ways to start thanking your mentor is to write a simple thank you note, which can go a long way. And then, once you’re ready, ask them if there is anything you can do to help them.
Overall, if you’re thinking about doing any mentorship programs, there are many places that offer life-changing experiences. In fact, ENTITY offers a 10-week program for women to explore different career opportunities. You’ll gain experience in the digital media space while building relationships with other strong female mentors.
As Oprah Winfrey says, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”
Remember, having a mentor is not a sign of weakness. If anything, it shows how driven you are to succeed.
