January is National Mentorship Month, which focuses attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us can work together to increase the number of mentors to help ensure positive outcomes for people and professionals. The right mentoring relationship can be a powerful tool for professional growth — it can lead to a new job, a promotion, or even a better work-life balance. However, finding a mentor can be intimidating and it’s tough to know who is the right mentor for your career goals. Here are some things to consider.
Finding a mentor
Outline your career goals both in the short term and the long term. The more specific you are with your goals, the easier it will be to find the right mentor. A useful way to find who would be a helpful mentor is finding someone whose job would you like to have in the next five, 10, or 15 years. Look for mentors both inside and outside of your workplace.
Asking for mentorship
Before COVID-19, asking for mentorship was best in-person but considering current circumstances video is just fine. If they’re someone you haven’t met before you can always start off with an email asking for an informational interview to learn more. Be clear of your goals and why you think this person is the right mentor for you. Come prepared by researching their work, be specific about what you like about it and why you want to meet. It is also important to remember that not everyone you ask will say yes. Mentoring takes time and commitment on both sides that they may not have the bandwidth for. Be gracious and thank them for considering, this leaves the door open for a future relationship.
Here at OpenSesame, mentorship is a part of the fabric of our organization. In addition to less formal forms of mentoring, OpenSesame’s “Step Into Tech” provides valuable work experience and mentorship to high school students from underserved communities. First started in 2018, his program provides these students with the opportunity to increase their exposure to technology and grow their skills in all areas of tech, innovation, and teamwork.
With courses offered in multiple languages, and available on multiple devices, we help companies like yours develop the world’s most developed and admired global workforces. For more information on how OpenSesame can save you time and money by curating the right courses for your organization, contact us at info@opensesame.com today.