You’re looking to make a major career change. What’s the best way to find a mentor in your new field?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start looking for a mentor, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your new field. What are your short-term and long-term goals? What are the skills, knowledge, and competencies you need to develop? What are the challenges and opportunities you face? Having a clear vision of your goals will help you narrow down your search and find a mentor who can help you reach them.

2 Research potential mentors

Once you have your goals in mind, you can start researching potential mentors in your new field. You can use various sources, such as online platforms, industry associations, alumni networks, or referrals from your existing contacts. Look for people who have the experience, credentials, and reputation that match your aspirations. You can also check their online profiles, portfolios, or publications to get a sense of their style, values, and interests.

3 Reach out and build rapport

After you have a list of potential mentors, you need to reach out to them and express your interest in learning from them. You can send them a brief and polite email, explaining who you are, why you're interested in their field, and what you hope to gain from their mentorship. You can also ask them if they're available for a phone call or a meeting to discuss further. Don't be discouraged if some of them don't respond or decline your request. Be respectful and persistent until you find someone who is willing and able to mentor you.

4 Establish expectations and boundaries

Once you find a mentor who agrees to work with you, it is essential to establish the expectations and boundaries of the relationship. You and your mentor should discuss and decide upon the goals and objectives of the mentorship, as well as the frequency and duration of the meetings or interactions. Additionally, you should agree on the preferred mode and channel of communication, feedback and evaluation process, confidentiality and ethical standards, and duration and termination of the mentorship. Having a clear understanding of these aspects will help create a productive and respectful relationship between you and your mentor.

5 Learn and apply

The most important part of having a mentor is to learn from them and apply their insights and advice to your own situation. You should prepare for each meeting or interaction with your mentor by doing your homework, asking relevant questions, and listening actively. You should also follow up with your mentor by thanking them, updating them on your progress, and implementing their suggestions. You should also seek feedback from your mentor on how you can improve and grow in your new field.

6 Give back and appreciate

Finally, you should also give back and appreciate your mentor for their time, effort, and wisdom. You can do this by sharing your achievements and successes with them, acknowledging their role in your development, providing them with useful information or resources, recommending them to others who might need their services or expertise, and expressing your gratitude and appreciation regularly. Doing so will help you strengthen the relationship and demonstrate your respect and value for their mentorship.

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?