Ah, if there’s one thing I have come to appreciate in my career is having a mentor. The more I’m around experienced engineers, the more I realize I don’t really know as much as I like to think. Especially since I’m still in my earlier years. To be honest, I did not actively seek out a mentor until just recently. Mid to late last year to be a bit more precise. I had entertained the thought a few times but not seriously. Actually, I didn’t think having a mentor was necessary because I sort of already knew where I’m headed and how to achieve it. What could someone else possibly tell me that I don’t already know?
So what changed?
I kept hearing some of my teammates talk about how they have meetings with their mentors whenever we’d all meet up in the morning to share what’s happening during the day. We call that standup. It’s really sharing your to-do list with the rest of your teammates and they do the same. So because they kept bringing it up so consistently I figured something must be going right. Why not try having a mentor myself and see what happens. As long I knew I could stop whenever I wanted to and that wouldn’t be a problem.
Define what you want
First thing’s first. Define what you want from having a mentor. They’re there to help you, not to do the work for you. Whenever you approach someone to be your mentor and they agree, the first thing to talk about is what exactly you’d want to gain from that relationship. From that they can figure out how they can best help and or be of guidance. It’s an open discussion and it’s all about you.
Schedule the meetings
Having a recurring meeting is a good way to stay connected. Try once a month in order to have enough time to get things to talk about. It’s also possible to reach out to them asynchronously if you feel you have something to talk about that can’t wait until your next meeting. Set an agenda before the meeting. Again, the meeting is about you and how someone can be of assistance in your growth. It’s best to go into that meeting prepared to avoid wasting both of your times.
Share your progress
I’m not a mentor but I know it’s encouraging for mentors when their mentee is making positive good progress. It means the relationship is working! Share all your wins , big or small that are relevant with your mentor.
Share your challenges
Again, a mentor-mentee relationship is one that’s meant to help you grow. What better way to do that than to share what challenges you face in your work and get an experienced person to help you navigate them, both presently and in the future? Don’t be shy or ashamed to ring up what challenges you. If your mentor makes you feel any less capable, maybe its time to find another one.
I’d love to know if you have a mentor or mentee and what you’re gaining from that relationship. 🙂
