CAREERTIPS: Why is it important to be mentored early on in one's engineering career?

Structural Engineer Nhlamulo Ritshuri shares MY CAREERTIP with Herve-Noel Kimpweme a Young Civil Engineering Technologist who asked for some pointers with regards to mentorship.

I want to know why is it important to be mentored early on in one's engineering career ?

It is important for young engineers to get mentors early on in their careers because I believe that is how you build the network to get you where you want to go in the future. Mentors offer so much value in terms of career and personal growth. Whether it is advice on how to tackle specific problems in the workplace or general concerns in the field and life. 

Experience is the best teacher and that's what your mentor must have, especially in the area that you are trying grow. This is why they say you should have more than one mentor, usually one person will not have all the knowledge or the time.

How does one find a good mentor?

I believe a good mentor is one that wants to be a mentor. Their accomplishments and positions will not matter if they are not willing or unable to impart the knowledge and strategies. A good mentor is a good teacher, some people do not want to teach or do not have the capacity to teach. That is not to say that they won't point you in the right direction. 

Good in my view means the relationship fulfils your objectives as a duo. Sometimes a mentor sees something that you don't or ever thought you could be and they push you. This is where most mentees feel overwhelmed and quit but as much as you have your own goals, be open in the relationship.

ALSO READ CAREERTIPS: What is the difference between various Engineering Degrees?

How should I go about selecting a suitable mentor for myself?

How you go about seeking mentorship depends on what you want from the relationship. Some goals are short term and so can be the relationship. Others are long term and this requires more investment in terms of time and emotions. Be upfront with the mentor as to what you are looking for. Have goals that you can communicate to the mentor and have a plan as to how you will go about it. The mentor can help you put them into action or tweak them so they are workable.

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