5 Ways to Find a Career Mentor

5 Ways to Find a Career Mentor5 Ways to Find a Career MentorIf youre looking to change careers, one of the best ways to find your direction is to hitch your wagon to someone whos already been where you want to go- a career berater.In popular lingo, that person is often called a ratgeber a wise counsel who can help you maneuver along your path and reach your career goal. A mentor can be a touchstone along the way, someone to help you map out your career path and expand your network. Some mentors are great coaches, but that quality isnt necessary a mentor can simply be a go-to source of inspiration whose career offers guideposts for you in your job search.Here are some thoughts about how to find a career mentor, and ways to use the relationship to benefit your employment goals.1. Make a blueprintFiguring out the kind of job you want, and how to get it, is an obvious first step in your research. Find someone whos doing what you want to do, make a connection, and dont be shy about your i ntentions.Most people are flattered to find out that someone considers them to be successful, and wants to be like them.2. Match your mentor to your goalsOnce youve fleshed out the basics choosing a career field, a specific position, and a salary range, for example youll be much better positioned to find a good match whose mentorship can really help you move forward in your career.3. Get creativeFor those of us who work from home, or who have part-time or online careers, finding a mentor can be even more challenging avirtual mentor is an increasingly viable option. Decide if youd prefer someone whose career trajectory is similar to what you envision for yourself if youre a woman in a male-dominated industry, for example, a female mentor whos found success in that arena be a great asset to have in your corner.4. Play it both waysIf youre lucky enough to find a great mentor, the relationship can last for the length of your career and the benefits can cut both ways. Mentors often e njoy the professor-student relationship, and can get as much from growing their network, expanding their outlook, and enjoying shared knowledge as the mentee. Its a benefit to point out if your chosen mentor is hesitant to take on the role.5. Branch outWho says you have to stop at one career mentor? If your goals are multi-faceted, and you can juggle the relationships, you may benefit even more from having a mini-network of mentor-counselors, whose can offer different opinions that get your career moving even faster.Readers, share your thoughts about mentoring relationships and how theyvebenefited your career Tell us about your career mentor