How can you find the right mentor to support your economics career?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start looking for a mentor, you need to identify your goals and expectations from the mentoring relationship. What do you want to learn from your mentor? What skills or knowledge do you want to develop or improve? What kind of feedback or guidance do you need? How often do you want to communicate with your mentor? Having a clear vision of your goals will help you narrow down your search and communicate your needs to your potential mentor.

2 Research your options

Once you have defined your goals, you need to research your options and find potential mentors who match your criteria. You can start by looking within your own network, such as your professors, colleagues, alumni, or professional associations. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or blogs, to find experts or influencers in your field of interest. You can also attend events, workshops, or webinars related to economics and connect with speakers or participants who share your passion. When you research your options, pay attention to their background, achievements, values, and style, and see if they align with your goals and personality.

3 Reach out and build rapport

After you have identified some potential mentors, you need to reach out and build rapport with them. You can send them a polite and personalized email or message, introducing yourself, expressing your interest in their work, and asking if they would be willing to mentor you. You can also mention some specific topics or questions that you would like to discuss with them. Be respectful of their time and availability, and do not expect an immediate or positive response. If they agree to mentor you, thank them and arrange a meeting or a call to get to know each other better. During the meeting or the call, be prepared to share your goals, expectations, and challenges, and listen to their feedback, suggestions, and expectations. Try to establish a rapport and trust with your mentor, and show your appreciation and enthusiasm.

4 Set boundaries and expectations

Once you have established a rapport with your mentor, you need to set boundaries and expectations for the mentoring relationship. You need to agree on the frequency, duration, and mode of communication, the scope and format of the feedback, the roles and responsibilities of each party, and the duration and evaluation of the mentoring relationship. You also need to respect your mentor's time, privacy, and expertise, and avoid asking for favors, referrals, or personal information that are not relevant to your goals. You also need to be open, honest, and flexible, and accept constructive criticism and advice.

5 Follow up and give feedback

After each meeting or interaction with your mentor, you need to follow up and give feedback. You need to thank your mentor for their time and input, summarize the key points and action steps, and update them on your progress and achievements. You also need to give feedback on what worked and what did not work for you, and what you would like to improve or change in the future. You also need to ask for feedback on your performance, attitude, and communication, and how you can improve them. Following up and giving feedback will help you maintain a positive and productive mentoring relationship, and show your mentor that you value their contribution and respect their opinion.

6 Seek multiple mentors

Finally, you need to remember that one mentor may not be enough to support your career in economics. You may need different mentors for different aspects of your career, such as research, teaching, policy, or consulting. You may also need mentors at different stages of your career, such as early, mid, or late. You may also need mentors from different backgrounds, perspectives, or disciplines, to enrich your learning and broaden your horizons. Therefore, you should seek multiple mentors who can complement each other and offer you diverse and valuable insights and experiences.

7 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?