Know what you want
Be clear about the help you need: choosing a stream, changing careers, growing as a leader.
Where to find mentors
- Teachers, seniors and alumni.
- Colleagues and former managers.
- Professional associations and communities.
- Structured mentoring programmes.
How to approach someone
Write a short message: who you are, why them, and one specific question. Ask for a brief conversation, not a long commitment.
Building the relationship
Prepare for each meeting, act on advice, report back on what happened and thank them. Relationships grow when mentors see their input making a difference.
When to choose a professional mentor
When decisions are big — stream, course, career change — a trained career mentor brings structured assessment and an objective view.
Deciding whether it fits you
A field can look exciting from the outside and still be a poor fit. Before committing, talk to two or three people already doing the work, try a short course or project, and notice whether the day-to-day tasks energise or drain you. A structured conversation with a mentor can help you compare options against your interests, abilities and values rather than trends alone.