What are some tips for finding a mentor during a career change?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you start looking for a mentor, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of help you need. Do you want to learn new skills, explore different fields, network with professionals, or get feedback on your resume and portfolio? Do you need a mentor who is in the same industry, role, or location as you, or someone who has a different perspective and experience? Do you prefer a formal or informal mentoring relationship, and how often do you want to communicate with your mentor? Having a clear vision of your goals and needs will help you narrow down your potential mentors and approach them with confidence and clarity.

2 Research and reach out

Once you have identified your goals and needs, you can start researching and reaching out to potential mentors. There are many ways to find mentors, such as online platforms, professional associations, alumni networks, social media, events, workshops, or referrals. You can also look for mentors within your current or previous workplaces, or among your friends, family, or acquaintances. When you find someone who matches your criteria and interests, don't be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself. Explain why you are interested in their career path, what you hope to learn from them, and how you can add value to them. Be respectful, polite, and concise, and don't expect an immediate response or commitment.

3 Build rapport and trust

If a potential mentor agrees to connect with you, you need to build rapport and trust with them. This means being respectful of their time and availability, following up on their suggestions and feedback, showing appreciation and gratitude, and sharing your progress and challenges. You also need to be open, honest, and curious, and ask relevant and meaningful questions that show your interest and enthusiasm. Don't be afraid to share your opinions, insights, and experiences, and offer your help or support if you can. Building rapport and trust with your mentor will help you develop a strong and lasting relationship that benefits both of you.

4 Seek feedback and act on it

One of the main benefits of having a mentor is that you can get feedback and advice from someone who has been through a similar career change or has expertise in your desired field. However, feedback is only useful if you seek it actively and act on it accordingly. Don't wait for your mentor to tell you what to do or how to improve. Instead, ask for feedback on specific aspects of your career change, such as your skills, goals, plans, actions, or outcomes. Listen carefully to what your mentor says, and don't take it personally or defensively. Thank them for their feedback, and ask for clarification or examples if you need them. Then, implement their feedback in your next steps, and let them know how it helped you or what challenges you faced.

5 Be flexible and adaptable

Finding a mentor during a career change is not a one-size-fits-all process. You may need to try different methods, strategies, and sources to find a mentor who suits your needs and goals. You may also need to adjust your expectations, preferences, and communication styles to match your mentor's. Moreover, you may need to change your mentor or have more than one mentor as your career change progresses and your needs and goals evolve. Be flexible and adaptable, and don't be discouraged if you encounter obstacles, rejections, or mismatches. Finding a mentor during a career change is a learning journey, and you can always learn something from every experience and interaction.

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?