Did you know that January is Mentoring Month!?That’s right—a whole month is dedicated to highlighting the importance of mentoring. Mentoring is typically an informal relationship, though some companies have instituted formal mentorship programs, between a mentee and a mentor through which the mentee gains advice, assistance, and support in a specific part of their professional or private life. Let’s take a look at how mentoring can help your career.
The “Why” of Mentoring: It’s really easy to feel alone and isolated in the job search and in your career. Sometimes, we feel like no one else has EVER done this before. Adding the variable of being a military member or spouse can make that isolation feel even bigger. A mentor can help you connect to the realities of the job search and your career path. They can help you cope professionally and personally with the frustrations and work through rough patches to achieve your goals.
Additionally, a mentor has experiences that can help you make good choices in your own career. Their expertise can help you to make decisions about education and training, career paths, and how best to navigate your profession. They may also have experience balancing their life with their work in ways that can help you better understand and reach work-life balance.
In other words, a mentor has experiences and perspectives that can help you live a better life and improve your career opportunities.
The “Who” of Mentoring: Mentors come in many forms. Usually, they have at least one common trait with you; they might also be a military spouse or former military member. They might have the same background as you, or they might have made a career switch just like you are considering.
A mentor also usually has more experience with the career, lifestyle, or issue for which you are seeking advice. They might be a leader within your community or organization or a friend who has “been there and done that,” whether “that” means juggled kids and a career, switched careers, or started a new business. Cast your net wide when considering who might be a good mentor for you. However, all mentors should have the time, energy, and willingness to commit to the mentor-mentee relationship.
What you need will largely determine who your mentor is.
Business Case Study: Why Hire a VET?
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Make Strategic Career Moves
– With the Help of a Mentor
By: Jamie Boyle