What are the best practices for finding a mentor in Economics?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start looking for a mentor, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the mentorship. Do you want to gain more knowledge about a specific topic or field in Economics? Do you want to develop a particular skill or competency, such as data analysis, writing, or teaching? Do you want to explore different career paths or opportunities in Economics? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you narrow down your search and communicate your expectations to potential mentors.

3 Reach out and connect

After you have identified a few potential mentors, you need to reach out and connect with them. You can send them an email, a message, or a request on their preferred platform. Be polite, concise, and professional in your communication. Introduce yourself, explain your goal, and express your interest in learning from them. You can also mention something specific that you admire or appreciate about their work. Don't be afraid to ask for a mentorship, but don't be pushy or demanding either. Respect their time and availability, and be prepared to accept rejection or referral.

4 Establish expectations and boundaries

If you get a positive response from a potential mentor, you need to establish expectations and boundaries for the mentorship. You can do this by having a conversation, either online or in person, where you discuss your goal, your needs, your availability, and your preferred mode of communication. You can also agree on the frequency, duration, and format of your interactions, such as meetings, calls, emails, or feedback sessions. You should also clarify the roles and responsibilities of both parties, such as what kind of support, guidance, or advice you expect from your mentor, and what kind of commitment, effort, or input you are willing to offer as a mentee.

5 Build trust and rapport

One of the most important aspects of a successful mentorship is the trust and rapport between the mentor and the mentee. You can build trust and rapport by being respectful, honest, curious, and open-minded. You can also show appreciation, gratitude, and recognition for your mentor's time, expertise, and contributions. You can also share your challenges, successes, and feedback with your mentor, and listen to their insights, suggestions, and stories. You can also ask questions, seek clarification, and express your opinions, but avoid being defensive, argumentative, or dismissive.

6 Review and evaluate

Finally, you should review and evaluate your mentorship regularly, both individually and jointly. You should reflect on your progress, achievements, and challenges, and compare them with your initial goal. You should also solicit and provide feedback to your mentor, and acknowledge their impact on your learning and development. You should also discuss any issues, concerns, or difficulties that arise during the mentorship, and try to resolve them constructively. You should also celebrate your successes and milestones, and recognize your growth and improvement. You should also decide whether to continue, modify, or end the mentorship, depending on your needs and circumstances.

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?