You're in UX and need a mentor. How can you find one that's right for you?

To find the right UX mentor, I'd define my goals, focusing on areas like user research or interaction design. Then, I'd seek someone with specific skills and industry experience through networking platforms or industry events. I'd consider my preferred mentorship format, like one-on-one sessions or group workshops. Finally, I'd prioritise a mentor who shares my values and communication style for a productive partnership.

Finding the right UX mentor can be a game-changer for your career, offering guidance, support, and valuable insights. Here are some steps to help you find the perfect mentor: 1. Define your needs and goals 2. Explore different platforms and resources 3. Consider these qualities in a mentor 4. Initiate contact and propose a mentorship 5. Be patient and build a genuine relationship

Para encontrar um bom mentor de UX é preciso definir quais suas prioridades de carreira, alinhar suas expectativas internas e conversar com pessoas que estejam alinhadas com o seu propósito, nem sempre um profissional super capacitado técnicamente é a melhor ou a única pessoa que pode te auxiliar na carreira, acompanhe o mercado, se dê a oportunidade de aprender e fale com as pessoas de forma aberta, tenha certeza existem muitas pessoas dispostas a ensinar, exatamente por que ja estiveram onde você esta. Boa sorte!

The first step in finding a UX mentor is to understand your own needs and goals. Are you looking to improve your design skills, understand UX research better, or navigate the complexities of UX strategy? Perhaps you're seeking advice on career development or leadership within the UX domain. Clearly defining your objectives will not only help you find a mentor who aligns with your aspirations but will also enable you to articulate what you're seeking in a mentoring relationship.

Look for one that has been professionalizing in your field and think about the value you can contribute to this relationship and be grateful for his/her mentorship regardless the outcome.

Seek guidance from experienced practitioners, not just influencers who regurgitate content from books and videos. Look for mentors who've tackled real projects and can offer practical insights beyond social media trends. Find mentors who've been in the battlefield and can provide genuine guidance based on their hands-on work.

Once you know what you're looking for, it's time to find potential mentors. The UX community is vast and diverse, with professionals excelling in various niches. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, industry-specific forums, and UX communities to identify individuals whose career paths, skills, or experiences resonate with your goals. Look for professionals who are not only skilled but also exhibit a willingness to share knowledge and contribute to the growth of others in the field.

Once you have defined your needs, you can start looking for potential mentors who match your criteria. There are many ways to find UX mentors, such as online platforms, communities, events, courses, or networks. You can also look within your own organization, industry, or alumni group. Some factors to consider when choosing a UX mentor are their experience, expertise, availability, personality, and values. You can research their background, portfolio, social media, or blog to get a sense of their style and approach.

Take a 360-degree approach when looking for mentors. Don't just look up! Look around, because sometimes the ideal mentor isn't who you expect it to be. For example: - A colleague who's an avid user of social media can probably tell you exactly which apps they love (or hate), and why. This can be a great way to uncover UX pain points. - A student or intern may have the tech expertise to tell you how certain UX conventions came about. This can give you context about why things are a certain way. - Follow a couple of top social media influencers to get an idea of why people love them. Are their pages pure eye candy? Easy to navigate? Test drive apps for a few weeks to get an idea what the UX looks like over time.

These days, it seems like lots of folks are teaching UI/UX. But if you need a mentor or agency, pick someone who can prove they've done good work. Look for people who can show you numbers and explain how their work really helps. That's the kind of mentor or agency you can trust.

To find a suitable UX mentor, start by networking within UX communities and attending industry events. Reach out on professional platforms like LinkedIn, expressing your admiration for their work and politely requesting guidance. Join UX-focused forums or groups to engage with experienced professionals. Attend meetups or conferences to connect in person. Be specific about your goals and what you seek in a mentor, making your outreach personalized. Show genuine interest in their expertise and ask for advice rather than a formal mentorship commitment initially. Building authentic connections increases the likelihood of finding a mentor who aligns with your aspirations and can guide you effectively.

After you have identified some potential mentors, you need to reach out and connect with them. You can send them a friendly and professional email, message, or invitation, introducing yourself and explaining why you're interested in their mentorship. You should also mention your goal, expectations, and availability, and ask if they are open and willing to mentor you. Be respectful, concise, and genuine, and avoid being too demanding or vague. You can also offer to share some of your work or insights to show your value and interest.

The thought of reaching out to a potential mentor can be daunting, but remember, the UX community is known for its openness and collaborative spirit. Craft a personalized message that highlights why you're interested in their mentorship and what you're hoping to learn. Be concise, respectful, and genuine in your communication. Remember, not everyone will have the capacity to take on a mentee, so it's crucial to approach this step with an open mind and resilience.

Mentorship is really building a relationship, a stronger tie to someone and investing in them. Be known. It should be mutually beneficial, mentors and mentees can learn from each other and improve together. Care about each other. Meeting someone once is not mentorship.

If a potential mentor agrees to mentor you, you should establish the relationship and set some ground rules. You can discuss and agree on the format, frequency, duration, and objectives of your mentorship sessions. You can also set some expectations and boundaries regarding communication, feedback, confidentiality, and accountability. You should also clarify the roles and responsibilities of both parties, and how you will measure and evaluate your progress and outcomes.

Once you've connected with a potential mentor and they've expressed interest in mentoring you, it's essential to establish the relationship's framework. Discuss each other's expectations, the frequency of meetings, communication methods, and goals for the mentorship. Setting clear boundaries and objectives from the outset will ensure a productive and mutually beneficial relationship.

Once you have established the relationship, you should make the most of it and enjoy the learning process. You should prepare for each session, ask relevant and thoughtful questions, listen actively and respectfully, and apply the feedback and advice you receive. You should also communicate regularly, update your mentor on your achievements and challenges, and express your gratitude and appreciation. You should also be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from your mentor's experience and perspective.

With the mentorship underway, strive to make the most of this opportunity. Be proactive in seeking advice, feedback, and insights. Prepare questions and topics for discussion in advance and be open to constructive criticism. Remember, a mentorship is a two-way street; your enthusiasm and commitment can significantly influence the quality of the relationship.

As your mentorship progresses, it's important to maintain and nurture the relationship, even after your initial goals are met. Regular check-ins, sharing your achievements, and seeking occasional guidance can keep the connection alive. Moreover, as you grow in your career, you may find opportunities to give back, perhaps even in the role of a mentor to someone else, thereby continuing the cycle of learning and development within the UX community.

To find a mentor in UX, talk to other UX designers, attend events, and join online groups. Look for someone with experience in what you want to learn and who you feel comfortable with. Don't hesitate to ask for help!

After your mentorship period ends, you should keep in touch with your mentor and maintain the relationship. You can send them occasional updates, thank-you notes, or invitations to catch up. You can also ask for their feedback, referrals, or recommendations, or offer your help, support, or expertise. You can also share your success stories, challenges, or opportunities, and seek their guidance or input. Keeping in touch with your mentor will help you build a long-term and mutually beneficial connection.

When I began my career in the field, I was unaware and naive about a lot of things! But one thing that I use to do a lot is to reach out as much as I could. Finding the right mentor would take time but yes even if you try and make connections with people who you think can have an eye on your work while you grow matters a lot! I was lucky that both my connection whom I reached out gave me their full support and till now that’s intact. The way you would be learning from them. Remember to give something of yours as an exchange for their valuable time. Keep building connections and observing people around

Additional tips: Consider mentorship groups or peer-to-peer learning: While a one-on-one mentor is valuable, learning from a group can offer diverse perspectives and foster collaboration. Utilize resources and tools: Many platforms offer tips and resources for finding mentors, such as MentorCruise or MentorNet. Don't be afraid to switch mentors: If the initial fit isn't working, don't hesitate to seek another mentor whose style and expertise better align with your needs.