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Mentoring Matters


“I have been fortunate to have extraordinary women role models who were instrumental in my own life. We know that when young professionals have a mentor in their field it makes a real difference.”

– Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

No matter what industry you’re in, it’s crucial for young women to have mentors to help them advance in their careers. Mentors can be instrumental in helping young professionals build networks and gain invaluable insights that will help shape decisions essential for career advancement.

Which is why we’re proud to be able to partner with Levo League to bring you Levo Connections, an online resource that connects you with men and women at the top of their fields willing to answer your questions. Watch this video below, then click here to learn about the mentors available to answer your online questions today.

Levo League – Mentorship Video from Levo League on Vimeo.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking for the perfect mentor:

  • Be Pro-Active: When seeking out a mentor, look for people in your field or even at your company who are doing what you aspire to do some day. Some of the most helpful mentors are those who are just three or four steps further along in their careers than you–they’ve been where you are recently enough that they still know the path from your point to theirs, and can guide you along it. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.
  • Use The Resources Already At Your Disposal  When looking for a mentor, be sure to tap into the alumni network of your alma mater as well as your human resources department. There may already be mentoring infrastructure in place for you to utilize. If not, don’t be afraid to cold call people who went to your school or used to work where you do now. No one has gotten where they are without someone giving them a helping hand, so most people are willing to do the same for you.
  • Network Network Network  Join networking clubs and organizations in the field in which you’re looking for guidance. In cities all across the country, there are events designed to bring professionals with common goals and experiences together. These events will expose you to those who are in your field and perhaps even in the position you aspire to be.
  • Intern/Volunteer  If you have the time to spare, interning or volunteering for a person you admire can be a good way to get in the door and build a potential mentoring relationship. Not only does it serve as a good introduction to your potential mentor, but it demostrates your eagerness and devotion to your field of interest.
  • Check Your Pride At The Door  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking someone to be your mentor can be very difficult. It involves acknowledging you need help and asking for it, two things that are not easy to do. When approaching someone about being a mentor, remember to be yourself, be honest about your priorities and your interests and always be grateful and gracious.
  • Remember: Mentoring Is A Time Commitment  It’s important not to enter into a mentoring commitment unless you’re prepared to devote time to cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship. That means not calling only when you need something, rather, it’s goo to check in regularly, just to say hi. And ensuring that you honor your commitment by making yourself available is extremely important.

*Off The Sidelines does not expressly endorse every mentor available at Levo Connections, nor the advice given.