3 minute read time.


As I mentioned in my previous blog, Extend Your Professional Network: Action Learning Sets, it may seem illogical for me to write a blog about exploring other opportunities and rather than coming through the IET’s mentoring service – but as much as we love to provide mentors for those working toward professional registration we are aware that this is not the only option available and that sometimes members would prefer to build their own professional networks and engage their own mentor within their workplace or social sphere.

 
So, these are my top tips for finding a mentor for yourself.

 
Ensure you know what you want


Have a clear goal or goals that you want to achieve.  You could achieve this through doing a SWOT analysis, or use Career Manager to set some CPD Objectives.

Think about WHO can help you


It might seem like your line manager is a good choice, but they will have different outlooks to you if you were to decide to find a new job or new opportunities within your company.  It may be that you would benefit from someone that is not even in your immediate hierarchy as there could still be a potential conflict of interest – if you do decide to go with someone like this ensure that you are aware of the limitations and set clear boundaries

Ask in the right way


Make the approach in person if possible and allow time to explore the options available.

Be prepared for any response


The mentor may say no, may ask for time to consider the request or may suggest someone else as an alternative.  Any mentor worth having will want to commit time to the relationship, so be patient and value their time as much as you value your own.  It may be that they can’t start things immediately as they are likely busy planning hteir own career, but a good mentor is worth waiting for.

Get to know each other first


Set up a meeting time or date just to get to know each other a little more and to explore the options and opportunities – it may be a while before you get into the active mentoring relationship but, as with any relationship, it is worth putting the time in to make things work.

Don’t ignore advice, but know you don’t need to take it either


Respect that your mentor has been there and done that, but don’t be afraid to take your own path; just explain to your mentor why you chose a different approach and maybe they’ll still be able to provide some guidance on how to make it work in the best way.

End it on a positive note


As with all relationships you may find that mentoring comes to an end as people and times move on or as goals are achieved, but be sure to end on a positive note in case you ever want to come back to your mentor for advice, guidance or a reference in the future.  Even if things break down because one or both of you are too busy, it’s worth staying in touch through LinkedIn or occasionally checking in by e-mail – you never know when you might need someone in the future.

 

And my top tip, is if you’ve had a good mentor, think about the time when someone might approach you in the future to be a mentor and think about how you can share that knowledge. 


Engineering is an excellent sector, with a lot of innovation, and it’s great to work in but even better to share in.


If you've had a good mentor, please do share in the comments section below what qualities you think make a good mentor.