The right mentoring relationship can be a powerful tool for professional growth — it can lead to new career opportunities, a promotion, even a better work-life balance. One of the trickiest things about mentoring, though, is that it often happens informally. And that can make it difficult to find an entry point.
Here are a few tips from employers on how Hardhat Professionals can find a mentor
1. Determine what you want from your career.
The first step to finding a mentor is defining what you want out of your career. You don’t have to plan your entire career path, because opportunities and unexpected directions may arise. Instead, define what you want in the short term to give you a clear path forward.
2. Pinpoint who has your dream job.
Consider your career path and narrow it down so you can determine who has your dream job and whom you admire. Successful mentoring relationships happen when the mentor and mentee are the right match. Reach out to someone you think you are comfortable with who can be a neutral sounding board and [who] will also provide great advice.
3. Examine your professional circle.
People in your professional circle can include former bosses, former professors or teachers, co-workers in another department, people you met at an internship program, and family friends.
4. Look for people who understand your role and industry.
Seek out someone with a general idea of your current role and the Hardhat industry who will be able to advise you on things like new projects, certifications and training you need to get ahead, as well as how to handle office politics within your organization.
Once you’re ready to reach out to someone, it’s important to keep things casual. Your approach to a potential mentor should be the same as it would be to a potential friend – your relationship will develop over time. Don’t force things; stay relaxed. Lessons and advice will come with time.
These hardhatCAREERTIPS were compiled with the input from employers in the Construction and Built Environment industries.
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