What a mentor adds
A mentor offers perspective from experience, honest feedback and a safe space to think through difficult decisions.
Making mentorship work
- Set clear goals — for example, leading a team for the first time.
- Bring real situations to each conversation.
- Ask for specific feedback.
- Try something, then review it with your mentor.
- Respect their time — prepare and follow up.
Leadership skills to focus on
Giving feedback, delegating, making decisions with incomplete information, and staying calm under pressure.
Organisations that want structured programmes can see our guide to structuring a mentorship programme.
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.