??The Benefits of Having a Career Mentor??

???? Steve Jobs was Mark Zuckerberg’s

???? Warren Buffet was Bill Gates’

???? Sir Freddie Laker was Richard Branson’s

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What exactly are we talking about? Having a mentor, of course.

Believe it or not, these extraordinarily successful billionaires all turned to mentors when they were starting out their careers.

So if you’re seeking to climb the corporate ladder, switch careers, start a business or get career advice, it pays to have a mentor to help guide your career footsteps.

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Who is a mentor?

??A mentor is a professional whose career guidance you seek because you admire their career achievements, work ethic and wisdom, experience and expertise

??Mentors show a passion for their job and enjoy the opportunity to help you perform your role more efficiently and productively with their guidance

??They give you career advice and help you network to gain a competitive edge

??They will help build your character, gain self-awareness, teach you to focus on your goals, challenge you and help maximise your potential.

This partnership between the mentor and the mentee (you) is based on mutual trust, respect and understanding.

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Why Do You Need a Mentor? ??

Mentors Have Inside Knowledge ??

Since mentors are usually seniors in their field, they are aware of fluctuations and movement within the industry and can tell you about job openings, professional courses and training programs. For instance, your mentor can brief you on upcoming job opportunities thanks to his contacts and prepare you for the job interview as well as share personal insights on the company culture, possible pay scale and senior management.

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Mentors Have Experience and Expertise ??

They have already put in the blood, sweat and tears to build their careers. You need to appreciate their feedback, learn from their mistakes and take their advice on board.

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Mentors Give Professional Advice ??

A mentor will give you unbiased, honest advice to help your career progression. I can help hone your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

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Tips on Maintaining a Successful Relationship with your Mentor

?? Define exactly what you are hoping to get out of the working relationship right from the start

?? Make sure you agree upon exactly how you will communicate with each other and how often you will meet

?? Behave in a respectful manner with your mentor - Do your homework and come prepared to all meetings

?? You will need to have at least 2-3 meetings to build a rapport and see if you have a good working partnership. If things do not flow smoothly, you can always seek a new mentor, but do not burn your bridges with your previous mentor

?? When you receive feedback from your mentor, you need to acknowledge this by taking the advice and acting upon it - Make sure your mentor knows that you value and appreciate his guidance

?? Find ways to say thank you by asking if your mentor needs help with anything work-related -?It’s your way of giving back

?? Make sure you keep in touch with your mentor even after your mentorship ends, especially on networking platforms like LinkedIn.

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Mentors Offer Networking Opportunities

As they say, ‘It’s not what you know; it’s who you know’.

Thanks to years of hard work, mentors have built up their own professional network which can help elevate your career progression. Make sure you appreciate any information or connections they give you.

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How to Find a Mentor

?? Here I am! No need to look any further.

Even though my company is called Business Analyst Masterminds, I have vast experience in Business as well as in the world of Information Technology.

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?? I mentor all IT Professionals, not only Business Analysts and Project Managers.

Acquiring a mentor as you journey your way up the career ladder can make the entire process a lot less daunting, as they guide you through the critical choices and decisions you’re required to make in your professional life. With a mentor, you aren’t left in the dark, and you are always encouraged to play to your strengths and to work on areas of your skillset that require improving.

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