What do you do if you need guidance from industry experts to develop specific skills?

We cannot approach any expert for assistance unless we have clarity about our present skill set and the gap which we need to fill for our current and future job.It is only when we have clarity about this aspect can we explore a mentor who can help us to validate it and support is our efforts to upgrade ourselves.

Industry experts are normally busy people. While seeking guidance from them one should have identified the why,how,when and all such details;meaning your own study about this need will make it easier for industry people to guide suitably.

Participating in practical exercises and projects under the supervision of industry professionals enables you to apply academic knowledge while gaining significant real-world experience. This technique not only strengthens your learning, but it also boosts your confidence and prepares you for the problems you'll experience on the job. By embracing this practical, mentor-guided learning, you may effectively bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and the reality of engineering practice, putting yourself on track for long-term success and progress in the industry.

It's crucial to understand your interests and make efforts to gain the necessary skills to grow in the career path of your choice.

Networking is key; don't be afraid to reach out to potential mentors directly. In your message, express your admiration for their work and explain how their expertise aligns with your development goals. Remember, the goal is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship where both parties gain value. As a mentor myself, I encourage individuals to actively seek out mentorship opportunities. Mentors can offer valuable insights, guidance, and support as you navigate your career path. By building strong mentor relationships, you can accelerate your learning and achieve your professional goals more efficiently.

As mentioned choosing the right mentor is crucial. This may become possible after talking to a few mentors. Finding a mentor is easy these days by attending networking events/programs or even direct messages.

Before establishing rapport one needs to be clear about his needs. Self analysis/knowledge will save time for mentoring to start soon and to be effective. Breakfast/lunch meetings could be the starting points .

Active participation by noting down suggestions by the mentor and even recording the sessions if possible with due permission from the mentor. One needs to show the progress to the mentor by showing/indicating/discussing the self improvement to the mentor.

When choosing a mentor, look for someone who encourages active participation and provides opportunities for practical application. Engage in practical exercises or projects under their guidance to gain hands-on experience and reinforce your learning effectively. This approach ensures that you're not just learning theoretically but also developing practical skills that are applicable in your field.

Regular Reflection can be recorded and discussed with the mentor . more reflection session frequency will help for a deeper understanding.

To seek guidance from industry experts for skill development, in addition to the listed pointers, you can attend networking events, join online communities, conduct informational interviews, enroll in formal training programs, participate in peer learning groups, and consult professional associations. These strategies provide opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, gain insights, and accelerate skill development effectively.

If you find yourself in need of guidance from industry experts to develop specific skills, there are several steps you can take. First, identify the specific skills you wish to develop and the industry experts who excel in those areas. Research their work, publications, or any educational resources they may have produced. Reach out to them through professional networking platforms or by attending industry events where they might be present. Politely introduce yourself, express your admiration for their expertise, and humbly request guidance or advice. Be specific about the skills you are looking to develop and inquire if they offer mentorship opportunities, workshops, or online courses.

How do you know for sure that you need guidance from industry experts to develop specific skills? Do you have an L&D team in your organisation? If you are not sure, reach out to your People and Culture or HR teams, and they will point you in the right direction. But your L&D team are literally employed to support all your learning and development. Each team in every company is different, however, they will absolutely point you towards the best ways to develop your skills - whether that’s through one of their programs on offer, your LMS (Learning Management System) or towards the industry experts they recommend to you. If you don’t have an L&D team, then jump on LinkedIn to see who’s here that fits the industry expertise you are looking for!

If you need guidance from industry experts to develop specific skills, seeking mentorship can be highly beneficial. Mentors can offer personalized guidance, share experiences, and provide insights tailored to your goals and aspirations. By leveraging the expertise and perspective of industry mentors, you can accelerate your skill development and navigate challenges more effectively. Whether through formal mentorship programs or informal networking, reaching out to industry experts for guidance can help you unlock your full potential and achieve your professional goals.