Career Advice
The Magic of Mentoring.
Getting mentored at any career stage can be helpful in so many ways.
It's normal to get stuck at some point in your career. We all do it for different reasons. Sometimes we need it:
- In the beginning, when you are wondering what to major in or trying to find that first job
- When you get your first job and require guidance from someone senior to show you the ropes and possibilities of the job and the field.
- When you are making a career transition or jumping into a relatively new field and need help to figure out your prospects.
- When you go through a mid-career slump and need help to get you through the phase
- Just for the heck of it. We all need to sometimes talk to someone for that extra bit of motivation.
We all need that advice whenever and wherever we are in our life or career. I have been through the phase — I had no one when I wanted to make design my career. It wasn't easy trying to figure things out. The people around me didn't know much about design, so I couldn't ask them for advice. If I had someone at that point, I am sure I might have taken smarter decisions and probably could have made a much sooner break into the field.
But I found a Mentor when I got my first job.
My design career took off because of that first job and the support of a terrific mentor in the form of the Founder of the design studio where I got the job. He helped pave my way into UX and guided me all along. He helped me realign and get back on track wherever I strayed off the path. The daily mentoring sessions where I ate his brain off on everything — from UX to technology to psychology and more. Those regular sessions have moulded me from where I was to where I am now. I am unsure where I would be if it hadn't been for all the advice I have received over the years.
Now, I get to mentor folks who wish to break into the field. I have had insightful conversations with whoever I have spoken to and learnt quite a bit from them.
My career has truly come to a full circle now — from being mentored as a young designer to mentoring young designers getting into the field.
The Mentor Magic
If I hadn't had the guidance, I don't think I would have made this far in my career. I wouldn't have established a successful career in design. Yes, I might have done it in some other way, but I don't think I would have made the impact that I have made with the help of a mentor.
You can be that brave person who has things figured out and aims to make a mark without much guidance. You might be someone who wants to do it all alone. Because you think folks won't help you, you're too scared to ask for help or worry about what people might think of you.
But there's something you need to know — you don't need to do things all alone. You have help all over. There are people who are willing to help you whenever you need it. All you need to do is ask for it. Reach out to folks in your field or those in the field where you want to make the transition. Talk to them, understand what's happening, take guidance, ask stupid questions .. do them all.
Having a mentor is like having that light with you on a dark path.
They can help you in wondrous ways. They can guide you along the right track, help you when you are stuck and, at times, pull you out of trouble. They will be your harshest critiques when you do something wrong but your biggest cheerleader when you score an achievement. They'll motivate you, push you and encourage you to try as hard as you can.
Finding that Mentor
Okay, you have made it clear that having a mentor will benefit my career. Now how do I find a good mentor?
Several people find their mentors when they start working. It could be a senior, a colleague, or even an entire team. Finding a mentor when you start working is a boon in so many ways — they can help you find your way on the job, show you multiple possibilities of rising the ladder, connect you with peers and folks from the industry and teach you all things you wouldn't otherwise learn when you're in school.
You can also try attending events and networking with folks from across the industry. Attending these events will be a great way to learn a lot about what's happening currently in your respective field/field you're transitioning to and meet people from diverse cities, countries, fields and levels of seniority. Who knows? A conversation with someone during the event could become a lifelong mentor to you.
The next way — leverage LinkedIn as much as you can. Connect with people in your field or in the field you are transitioning. Drop them messages (not just a Hi!, people don't like that. Please don't do that.) introducing yourself, telling what you do and asking them if you can have a conversation with them. Not many will respond, but those who do, keep them close and keep the conversation going. Someone (or many of them) will vibe with you, and when that happens, you have found your mentor.
Another way — join communities like ADPList, where you have access to thousands of mentors from different countries and careers. Connect with mentors of your choice and book a call with them. The most remarkable thing about this? It's all free. And you don't have to stick with talking to only one person; you literally can talk to anyone and everyone.
Finally...
Having the right mentor can do wonders for your career. I can say that with plenty of proof. I had one (and continue to take advice), and I know of people who thrived in their careers because they had someone to help them whenever they needed it. It wasn't easy before, but with the advent of many events, platforms and communities, finding a mentor is simpler now. You don't have to do everything alone—people are just a phone call, message, or video chat away. Get in touch.
One thing to remember is that mentors are also human beings with their lives to lead and their respective careers to pursue. Don't bug them for every little thing that goes wrong. When reaching out to them, ask them if they are good to talk to and only then continue the conversation. In case they mention that they are not available, please don't keep bothering them. Please don't send them offensive messages and make them feel guilty for not talking to you. Give them their space and move on. You'll always find someone else.
Mentoring truly is magical. It can help you in ways you can't imagine. As said, they will be your biggest supporters and cheer for you from afar. Get in touch, find the mentor you vibe with and watch your career soar. I sincerely hope you find someone who helps you with precisely that.
You can find me on LinkedIn if you want to chat further with me. If you're looking for your mentor, maybe we may vibe? Book a session with me on ADPList.
