How do you use your network and mentors to make career decisions?

2 Communicate your career goals

Once you have identified your network and mentors, you need to communicate your career goals to them clearly and effectively. Your career goals are the specific outcomes or achievements you want to accomplish in your career, such as getting a promotion, changing careers, or starting a business. To communicate your career goals, you need to be able to articulate what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to get it. You also need to be open to feedback and suggestions from your network and mentors, as they may have valuable insights or perspectives that can help you refine or adjust your goals. You can communicate your career goals through various channels, such as email, phone, video call, or face-to-face meeting, depending on the level of relationship and convenience.

3 Seek information and advice

One of the main benefits of using your network and mentors to make career decisions is that you can seek information and advice from them that can help you explore your options, evaluate your opportunities, and overcome your challenges. Information and advice can come in different forms, such as industry trends, market insights, best practices, personal experiences, or recommendations. To seek information and advice from your network and mentors, you need to be specific about what you need, respectful of their time and expertise, and curious about their opinions and stories. You can seek information and advice by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and following up with gratitude and action.

5 Expand your network and mentors

Finally, using your network and mentors to make career decisions can help you expand your network and mentors, by creating new connections, opportunities, or referrals. Expanding your network and mentors can increase your exposure, visibility, and influence in your field or industry, and open up new possibilities for your career growth and development. To expand your network and mentors, you need to be proactive, strategic, and flexible. You also need to be diverse, by seeking out people from different backgrounds, sectors, or roles, who can offer you different perspectives, insights, or skills. You can expand your network and mentors by attending events, joining groups, or participating in projects that are relevant to your career goals or interests.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?