Mentors can help you figure out what you should be doing to get ahead in your career. The key is to find the right mentors for you and use your limited meeting time well.

Mentors offer a different viewpoint
A mentor is a person who can provide you with another perspective on your job. He or she can be a good sounding board for talking about issues such as getting the right training, dealing with the boss, or changing positions. However, don’t expect a mentor to get you a promotion or fight your battles for you. You still need to do the hard work yourself. 

Mentoring requirements change over time
Just as your career changes over time, so does the information you need from mentors. Early in your career the most important thing to learn is how to do your job very well. At this point your mentors will likely be co-workers three to five years ahead of you tha can help you polish your job skills, figure out how to get the right assignments, and work well with others. After the first few years the issues become more complex, covering topics such as demonstrating leadership skills, balancing personal and professional goals, and changing positions. During this time you should consider looking for mentors outside your company that can have frank discussions about your existing job. Later in your career your focus will shift to moving into senior management. At this level, higher-ranking people in your own company will be most useful in describing the political realities of the promotion process.

Good mentors can be found in many places
When searching for mentors, don’t just look for an older person in your company. Look beyond that narrow definition when considering sources of advice. Peers are often good mentors because they sit in the same meetings and share experiences with you, but may have different points of view and can give you relevant guidance. Also, younger people can have great ideas that are different from your own. Professional organizations are a way for people with common backgrounds to get together for educational or social events. The fact that people show up at these events means that they are open to sharing ideas and are potential mentors. Joining a non-profit organization, especially by getting involved in a committee, is an excellent place to meet other professionals in a low-stress environment. Family and friends are often overlooked as mentors, but they might have relevant experience and are usually willing to share their time. Also look for mentors with different perspectives, including people in other fields.

Approach potential mentors slowly    
Being a mentor is an implied commitment of time which most people are reluctant to make to strangers or casual business acquaintances. Therefore, don’t directly ask someone to be a mentor, ask them for advice. Use phrases such as “Can I get your input on…?” or “I’d like your thoughts on…” The best way to get someone’s attention is if you have a mutual friend and say, “Bob suggested I talk to you about …” Also propose a specific amount of time and keep it short. Ask for 15 minutes, which implies you are willing to fit into the other person’s busy schedule. Be sure to offer a meeting location that is convenient for the mentor. If all of your suggestions are rebuffed, see if you can schedule a phone call since that is better than not talking to the person at all. Some of these relationships will develop into deeper connections but many of them will not. Think of your contacts as a pyramid with the large network of people you meet at the bottom and mentors at the very top. Very few casual contacts will become real mentors but that does not mean you are wasting your time. Even if you get one or two good ideas, it is worth the effort to reach out to people. 

Use mentors’ time wisely
Remember: A mentor is giving up valuable personal time to meet with you. Even if the meeting is during business hours, the mentor still has to get his or her own job done before going home, so every minute spent with you is time away from a spouse, children, or friends. If you understand that you will realize how important it is to come prepared and use the time efficiently. Before you go into the meeting, figure out what you want to accomplish. Have your questions ready, be succinct, and come prepared to write down contact information, programs, or reading ideas your mentor suggests. Always remember to dress well as a sign of respect. Make the meeting comfortable for your mentor by being very professional and do not ask personal questions if you do not know the person well. When the time you suggested is over, prepare to leave and only stay if the mentor keeps talking.

Not everyone wants to be a mentor
It can sometimes be difficult to find a good mentor. Senior female or minority managers are often overwhelmed by junior people who want help. Many times senior people cannot just grant requests for their time without damaging their careers. Some companies are very competitive and do not encourage mentoring since these companies want their employees focused exclusively on the bottom line. Occasionally, individuals just do not like mentoring and will find reasons to decline all attempts for a meeting. If you have trouble finding good mentors, consider looking outside your company to professional or alumni organizations where there is already a common bond.

It is not always easy to find good mentors, but it is worth the search. Good mentors can force you to think about tough issues and provide encouragement when needed.

Military.com offers a great way for veterans and transitioning servicemembers to connect with mentors in our Veteran Career Network. With more than 250,000 veterans registered and willing to help other servicemembers find employment, you can find a potential mentor that will help guide you to your next career.

Takeaways:

• Decide what career advice you need today before looking for mentors.
• Do not use the word “mentor” just ask for advice on a particular subject.
• Use a mentor’s time efficiently and keep the meeting short.
• Consider all your contacts as sources of mentors: older and younger colleagues; professional organizations; and family and friends.