Seeking out advice, information, and referrals from people with experience in the field can help to guide, shape, and direct your career. Knowing when you need to ask for assistance is key to being successful; many people prefer to go it alone. Being self-aware and knowing when to ask for assistance and advice is credited with advancing careers and building strong leadership skills.

There are a number of benefits to having a mentor, including the opportunity to learn new skills, an objective point of view in regard to difficult situations, and someone to keep you accountable for following through on your goals and to keep your career moving in the right direction. Even mentors have mentors.

As you grow in your career there are a number of reasons to become a mentor. Mentoring is an opportunity for you to develop leadership skills, to expand your network, and to share your skills and expertise while helping others.

Where do I find a mentor?

• Review your current network
• Evaluate senior employees at your company
• Consider people you meet at professional meetings

Where do I find a mentor?

• Who is the “go-to” person at the company?
• Who appears to be most motivated?
• Who is always working?
• Note that the ideal candidate is not necessarily the most vocal person but is often the person whom people go to and who always has something to do.